I've read two of the TW books now. "The Twilight Streets" by Gary Russell, which is good but very continuity heavy. Typical Gary Russell, really. Also "Something In The Water", by Trevor Baxendale. Very good, with lots of action and a very effective enemy. Again, pretty typical for the author. I used to like his work back when the Doctor Who books were still good. The name of the enemy's planet is a rubbish joke, though. Rather kills the momentum every time it's mentioned. I think we're supposed to assume that, given how long she's been living on Earth, we got the word from her, but either way it sticks out like a sore thumb.

Read all the TW books now, and the third one that I read, David Llewellyn's "Trace Memory", is the best, I think. Which is putting it mildly. The other two are good, but this one is bloody brilliant! I wish they'd film it.

I was looking at that the other day, Micks. Umm-ed and aah-ed over whether I should part money for it...

...I gave up and bought Frankenstein and The Picture Of Dorian Gray made from recycled paper.

The Picture Of Dorien Gray is great. Frankenstein annoys me, though. It's a good story, but Frankenstein is such a wuss! Every other page, he's collapsing in a swoon.

Haha. I've heard marvellous things about Dorian, I must admit.

I'm thinking of investing in a collection of Roald Dahl short stories - any thoughts? I've heard he masters the twist and find short stories nice to read in term time.

To be honest, his more grown up writing doesn't engage me all that much. "The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar" is the classic collection of more adulty stories of his, I think. I remember reading it some years ago, but it didn't do a lot for me. It's very popular, though, so that's probably just me being awkward.

If you wanna good read, though, Becks, this month sees the republication of an old favourite of mine that's been out of print for more than twenty years. It's called "The King Of The Copper Mountains", by Paul Biegel. A children's book, but I don't see that that matters. I adored it as a kid, and re-read my copy a couple of years ago when I found it in the loft whilst moving house. It is utterly wonderful. I'm so pleased it's finally being republished, as I've wanted to get it for my little nieces and nephews for years, but second-hand copies have been selling for silly money.

The original was in German, so I'm hoping this is just a reprint rather than a new translation. Nowt wrong with the old one. 'Tis highly recommended, anyway. Not high-brow reading, perhaps, but I love it.

"Temeraire", by Naomi Novik. Great stuff.

i am on the last few pages of "Abrahadabra" - Rodney Orpheus, and then i am going to tackle "Cosmic Trigger" - Robert Anton Wilson

I'm reading James Pattersons series of books at mo The Women's Murder Club. I'm on number 5, well i say i'm on 5 not started it yet.
Really enjoying the series.

I have not visited this thread in a very, very long time.

I'm almost half way through Dorian. Within six pages, I was already in love.

Yeah, it's a good book.

Just finished a very chilly book by Ernest Shackleton, about escaping from the Antarctic. Also reading "Car Science" by Richard Hammond, which is lovely.

Does Hammond write well?

Yes. He is very, very good at writing science books for children.

His not-kids book, "On The Edge", was extremely good too. For different reasons, though, obviously.

Another recommendation for you, Becky. "Never The Bride", by Paul Magrs. I think you might like it.

*googles*

Thankyou, Mickey.

I am currently reading "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova. First part - good. I like it. Scary, in places.

I've heard some good stuff about that. Not been reading much myself lately, though. Drumming my fingers waiting for part five of Temeraire, and just not getting around to picking up my current book. Which is a shame, as it's an Orwell, and it's good.

quote:

I've heard some good stuff about that.

Having finished it, I'm not entirely sure why... No, in fairness, the first part was very good - very compelling. As I got more and more into the journey across Europe - which at times was a little laborious - I really did love the descriptions. However, the climax at the end was very disappointing. It was too clear-cut compared to the rest of the book - in my opinion, there should have been less complex journey and more rounding up of events.

Gah. I will never be a book critic, I promise.

I can't say as I've been moved to read it. Not my kind of thing, though. Another one I've heard good things about lately is The Pirate's Daughter, but I read the back the other day, and was completely put off. I'm always a bit dubious about fictionalising the lives of real people anyway, but when it's somebody as well known as Errol Flynn it seems even more bizarre.

Besides, I know just a little too much of the truth about Flynn. I don't think his life needs any fiction.

And there's nothing wrong with your book reviews.

Maybe it will be my next career move.

I doubt it.

I know nothing, by the way, about Errol Flynn. I'm so not down with the kids!

*sigh*

Such a shame to lose this thread too. And what happens if absolom ever comes back? She won't know where to find us.

That is so true. Nat may never find us either or Verno...

I bought four books from Asda today. Yes there was an offer on.

I hope they're good books. We'll have to have a books thread wherever we end up.