Book Club - Orlando Forums

Daglish

United Kingdom
530 Posts
Joined: 04 Jan 2005
Status: offline

Posted - 28 Sep 2005 : 22:35:15

The Jasper Fforde books are very difficult to describe! Thursday Next is a 'litery detective' in an 'alternative' 1985. She has the ability to read herself into books - for example in the first novel she ends up in Jane Eyre (Hence the title The Eyre Affair) and helps Mr Rochester achieve a 'happy' ending. In other books she meets Miss Havisham from Great Expectations, Heathcliffe from Wuthering Heights and Hamlet.

Her 1985 is very different from ours: We are still involved in the Crimean War, Russia still has a Tsar and instead of planes everybody still uses airships.

The books are very surreal and you really just have to 'go with the flow' and enjoy them for what they are. Very strange but very funny -I think it was the Independent newspapers that called them 'silly books for smart people'.

If you give them a go I'm sure you'll be hooked as well!

Tracy

http://www.onlinefloridavillas.com/florida-vacation-rental-2012.aspx

Kazzie

United Kingdom
4158 Posts
Joined: 26 Feb 2005
Status: offline

Posted - 28 Sep 2005 : 23:06:47

Yes I totally agree Emm, sometimes it is just nice to read something really easy. I might even get to finish The Other Woman in a week instead of 3 months!

Karen

quote:
Originally posted by emm
quote:
Originally posted by Kazzie
Has anybody read The Innocent by Harlan Coben? I am reading it at the moment and finding it really good, although I dont get much chance to read these days and have been reading it since July! When I do eventually finish it I have The Other Woman by Jane Green lined up.

Karen

I've just started reading The Other Woman. I think it's going to be an easy read, but you don't always want something taxing do you?

Karen
http://www.orlandovillas.com/florida-vacation-rental-2185.aspx

emm

http://www.orlandovillas.com/florida-vacation-rental-1582.aspx

emm

United Kingdom
1333 Posts
Joined: 15 Mar 2004
Status: offline

Posted - 28 Sep 2005 : 23:39:18

Tracy, these Jasper Fforde books sound interesting. I'll have to keep a look out for them.

Ray&Sarah

United Kingdom
10599 Posts
Joined: 11 Nov 2003
Status: offline

Posted - 28 Sep 2005 : 23:48:20

quote:
Originally posted by fiona
Don't have Sky Liesa because I am such a cheapskate I won't pay a fortune so the gals can watch even more rubbish and I have more rows about homework! I may relent once YD has finished her A Levels but it goes against the grain for ax ex-BBC girl to pay any money to Murdoch's mob.

Have just got Always & Forever by Cathy Kelly, about my level at the mo for late night reading, can manage something with a bit more concentrating while on hols, although do still have the latest Joanne Trollope to finish!

Just read two Cathy Kelly books on the trot, nice easy read not too taxing, needed something a little lighter after THe Time Travellers Wife.

Sarah

Kazzie

United Kingdom
4158 Posts
Joined: 26 Feb 2005
Status: offline

Posted - 29 Sep 2005 : 00:08:42

I didnt quite manage The Time Travellers Wife, wasnt in the right frame of mind so will try again after The Other Woman. I would probably read a lot faster if I could travel back in time to before being a villa owner! No time for much these days

Karen

quote:
Originally posted by Ray&Sarah
quote:
Originally posted by fiona
Don't have Sky Liesa because I am such a cheapskate I won't pay a fortune so the gals can watch even more rubbish and I have more rows about homework! I may relent once YD has finished her A Levels but it goes against the grain for ax ex-BBC girl to pay any money to Murdoch's mob.

Have just got Always & Forever by Cathy Kelly, about my level at the mo for late night reading, can manage something with a bit more concentrating while on hols, although do still have the latest Joanne Trollope to finish!

Just read two Cathy Kelly books on the trot, nice easy read not too taxing, needed something a little lighter after THe Time Travellers Wife.

Karen
http://www.orlandovillas.com/florida-vacation-rental-2185.aspx

Edited by - Kazzie on 29 Sep 2005 00:11:19

thornton

United Kingdom
3278 Posts
Joined: 23 Apr 2005
Status: offline

Posted - 30 Sep 2005 : 09:17:06

Have only just found this thread and as I am looking around for new authors to try it has given me some ideas. I like autobiographies or biogrphies, have just finished reading Sheila Hancock's book about life with John Thaw, very good. Has anyone tried the Patrick O'Brian books. Brian thinks they are marvellous he went out and got the whole series and read the lot - 17 in all - it took him about 4 years but as he only normally reads on holiday that was quite an achievement for him as the books took precedent over sailing magazines.

Jill

Jill and Brian
http://www.orlandovillas.com/florida-vacation-rental-2089.aspx

USA
10570 Posts
Joined: 18 May 2004
Status: offline

Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 14:53:12

What is everyone reading two years on?

Genie

United Kingdom
3189 Posts
Joined: 02 Jun 2003
Status: offline

Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 15:04:19

Just got another two Bill Bryson's off ebay and also the Gordon Ramsay autobiography !! different I know !

Jean

USA
10570 Posts
Joined: 18 May 2004
Status: offline

Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 15:05:31

Humble Pie is excellent Jean it explains a lot

Genie

United Kingdom
3189 Posts
Joined: 02 Jun 2003
Status: offline

Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 15:09:05

Yes I am looking forward to reading it, also got Sharon Osbornes autobiograpghy and the Meatloaf one - To hell and back ! ( just where I've been the last few months I thought I might be able to compare !!! LOL)

Jean

USA
10570 Posts
Joined: 18 May 2004
Status: offline

Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 15:16:35

Would not mind the Meatloaf book but I can't stand Sharon Ousbourne.

You may have been to hell and back but you are out the other side

caroline

United Kingdom
6323 Posts
Joined: 29 Apr 2002
Status: offline

Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 16:14:31

I've read the Sharon Osbourne one - it's quite an eye opener and the language is colourful, as for some of the stunts she has pulled over the years - YUK!

Michael Crafords autobiography came out a few years ago but was a brilliant read as was Des O'Connors

not one I thought I would enjoy but I couldn't have been more wrong.
Another good one was Anne Robinson's.

I also read a fab book that I found in the villa we rented on the coast it was called Daniels isn't talking - and was about a mothers struggle with her autistic son and how it affected the whole family - excellent read.

Also read the last Harry Potter (was balling my eyes out in certain parts and laughing out loud in others)

Caroline & Dave
http://www.orlandovillas.com/florida-vacation-rental-236.aspx

Genie

United Kingdom
3189 Posts
Joined: 02 Jun 2003
Status: offline

Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 16:24:46

quote:
Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
Would not mind the Meatloaf book but I can't stand Sharon Ousbourne.

You may have been to hell and back but you are out the other side

No not terribly fond of Sharon myself but needed to stock the books up and thought it might be worth a read I can always leave it in FL next time ........ and yes I am nearly out the other side probably still a bit of mud slinging to go yet but I am getting there ! just waiting for a little more Karma !
Quite fancy the Ann Robinson one as well !

Jean

USA
10570 Posts
Joined: 18 May 2004
Status: offline

Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 16:27:10

Karma, ah Jean yes what goes around comes around, great believer in that myself.

USA
10570 Posts
Joined: 18 May 2004
Status: offline

Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 16:31:11

quote:
Originally posted by caroline
I've read the Sharon Osbourne one - it's quite an eye opener and the language is colourful, as for some of the stunts she has pulled over the years - YUK!

Michael Crafords autobiography came out a few years ago but was a brilliant read as was Des O'Connors not one I thought I would enjoy but I couldn't have been more wrong.
Another good one was Anne Robinson's.

I think Des is quite funny and he is what 70 odd now.

Just finished The Take by Martina Cole, that was ok as was the Cold Moon by Jeffrey Deaver. Just about to start a James Patterson Murder Club when I find it, The 5th Horseman I think it's called.

I must stock up on the latest when I get to Fl next month, something else that is cheaper in FL the latest novels and before we normally get them to

Edited by - Cruella DeVilla on 15 Aug 2007 16:32:05

Paula D-S

United Kingdom
4409 Posts
Joined: 18 May 2005
Status: offline

Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 16:55:40

As I have just spent two weeks relaxing in Majorca I have just read Faceless by Martina Cole, a brilliant read which I couldn't put down. A Place called Here by Cecilia Ahern, just about readable and nowhere near as good as P.S. I Love You. Second Wifes Club by Anne Moore, an OK summer read and The Half Blood Prince by JK.........it's amazing what you can get through without the computer nearby.

Now reading The Deathly Hollows.

Paula

www.orlandovillas.com/florida-vacation-rental-2140.aspx

rosieuk

4078 Posts
Joined: 14 May 2004
Status: offline

Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 17:06:05

quote:
Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
quote:
Originally posted by caroline
I've read the Sharon Osbourne one - it's quite an eye opener and the language is colourful, as for some of the stunts she has pulled over the years - YUK!

Michael Crafords autobiography came out a few years ago but was a brilliant read as was Des O'Connors not one I thought I would enjoy but I couldn't have been more wrong.
Another good one was Anne Robinson's.

I think Des is quite funny and he is what 70 odd now.

Just finished The Take by Martina Cole, that was ok as was the Cold Moon by Jeffrey Deaver. Just about to start a James Patterson Murder Club when I find it, The 5th Horseman I think it's called.

I must stock up on the latest when I get to Fl next month, something else that is cheaper in FL the latest novels and before we normally get them to.

I agree that Cold Moon wasn't the best Lincoln Rhyme ever, but it was ok. Also just finished the 5th Horseman and 6th Target (next one in the womens murder club set).

I've just started Maximum Ride by James Patterson, it's kind of a follow on from When the Wind Blows and The Lake House, but not having much getting in to it so far.

Also just finished The Quickie by James Patterson (thanks Di). Didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would though.

Rosie

USA
10570 Posts
Joined: 18 May 2004
Status: offline

Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 17:30:28

Without spoiling the Cold Moon I just thought it was too twisty and unbelievable in parts. My favourite JD is the Blue Nowhere.

Oh keep me the 6th Target please please I still have your Mums Honeymoon somewhere. I think his books are getting less can't put down too, I remember the shock at the end of Roses are Red and could not wait to get into Violets are Blue but the last couple I have read have not been that gripping. Had a look at The Quickie, looked kinda predictable but we shall see and the Maximum ride looks worth a read although again you need imagination for those stories. I kinda enjoyed them though. They are fine books for lying by the pool or on the beach

Got the latest Tess Geretsen somewhere so might take that for the plane. Also a couple of Ben Eltons that Andy raves about, not tried him yet but apparently they are funny. I liked his hunour in Black Adder so I will probably enjoy them.

Stephen Leather is another good author to look out for.

Genie

United Kingdom
3189 Posts
Joined: 02 Jun 2003
Status: offline

Posted - 30 Aug 2007 : 08:32:08

quote:
Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla
Humble Pie is excellent Jean it explains a lot

Yes , agree on this one CDV very good !
Bill Brysons Neither here or there was good too. Now about to start on the Meatloaf To hell and back will report back !
Perhaps we ought to start a paperback swap ??

Jean

Edited by - Genie on 30 Aug 2007 08:34:58