I'm Busy Reading....
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Please don't discuss puzzles in here! Thank you.
Please don't discuss puzzles in here! Thank you.
- MBH
- King of the Swingers
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- Joined: Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:07 pm
- Currently reading: 39 Clues series/Darksmith series/and....
- Location: Gateshead
I'm Busy Reading....
I've worked out from conversations that puzzlers do tend to be readers as well. This thread works well on the other forum I visit, so I thought I'd start it up here.
It's a chance to tell everyone what current book(s) are keeping you company when you're not posting on here or sitting solving puzzles. You can reccomend it, warn people off it, or just tell people. (I've had a couple of good 'recommendations' over on DVP during PM conversations).
I don't know about anyone else, but I quite often have 2 or 3 books on the go at the same time: one by the bed, one in the car (for the 'pick me up at..' requests that never quite work right), and usually one at work as well. [Working in a variety of libraries is terrible for me as I'm always seeing new books I want to read ]
I have a word processing file on the works computer called BookList, and I add all the things I'm looking to read (then use the library system to see which of our 20+ branch libraries has them)
So - my current reading:
Just finished The 39 Clues (which I grabbed from the library shelf thanks to katsmom) - now I want to sign up for the website and play the game
Snakehead - the latest Anthony Horowitz 'Alex Rider' book - Good action, and easy reading.
The Way of the Shadows - Brent Weeks - this is the first of a trilogy that my mate bought me the set of for Christmas. Plots, Magic Users, and a couple assassin anti-heros. Very powerful characters and good action.
Anyone else?
It's a chance to tell everyone what current book(s) are keeping you company when you're not posting on here or sitting solving puzzles. You can reccomend it, warn people off it, or just tell people. (I've had a couple of good 'recommendations' over on DVP during PM conversations).
I don't know about anyone else, but I quite often have 2 or 3 books on the go at the same time: one by the bed, one in the car (for the 'pick me up at..' requests that never quite work right), and usually one at work as well. [Working in a variety of libraries is terrible for me as I'm always seeing new books I want to read ]
I have a word processing file on the works computer called BookList, and I add all the things I'm looking to read (then use the library system to see which of our 20+ branch libraries has them)
So - my current reading:
Just finished The 39 Clues (which I grabbed from the library shelf thanks to katsmom) - now I want to sign up for the website and play the game
Snakehead - the latest Anthony Horowitz 'Alex Rider' book - Good action, and easy reading.
The Way of the Shadows - Brent Weeks - this is the first of a trilogy that my mate bought me the set of for Christmas. Plots, Magic Users, and a couple assassin anti-heros. Very powerful characters and good action.
Anyone else?
- Cenwulf
- The Complete Fool
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- Location: South Wessex
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
My recent reading (since Christmas):
The Folklore of Discworld: a look at the folklore of the Disk and how it has parallels with that of Roundworld (Earth).
A Swim-on Part in the Goldfish Bowl: Carol Thatcher's memoirs. (Perhaps this inspired me with the Pisces puzzle! )
One Flew Into the Cuckoo's Egg: Bill Oddie's autobiography. Comic and tragic in equal measure, and often at the same time.
The Folklore of Discworld: a look at the folklore of the Disk and how it has parallels with that of Roundworld (Earth).
A Swim-on Part in the Goldfish Bowl: Carol Thatcher's memoirs. (Perhaps this inspired me with the Pisces puzzle! )
One Flew Into the Cuckoo's Egg: Bill Oddie's autobiography. Comic and tragic in equal measure, and often at the same time.
Unfortunately, the number of ways of doing something wrong far exceed the number of ways of doing it right. G. Kasparov
16000 - 30/03/2017
neves-ytnewt rebmun rebmem suomynona srelzzup
16000 - 30/03/2017
neves-ytnewt rebmun rebmem suomynona srelzzup
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
I generally don't do "social networking" sites (like Facebook or MySpace) because they are too generalised - places like this, where you know that everyone has at least something in common are often far more enjoyable.
However, I do like to use a fantastic site: Goodreads. It's basically just the equivalent of something like IMDB* but for books instead of films. It invites you to rate and review the books you've read, but also to stick them on personlised "shelves" (e.g. fiction, or crime, or even "historical crime") as well as shared community features.
www.goodreads.com
(*IMDB- the Internet Movie Data Base. One of my key reference checking sites for certain puzzles!)
However, I do like to use a fantastic site: Goodreads. It's basically just the equivalent of something like IMDB* but for books instead of films. It invites you to rate and review the books you've read, but also to stick them on personlised "shelves" (e.g. fiction, or crime, or even "historical crime") as well as shared community features.
www.goodreads.com
(*IMDB- the Internet Movie Data Base. One of my key reference checking sites for certain puzzles!)
Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.
All of my puzzles are simple and obvious. For certain values of "simple" and "obvious".
All of my puzzles are simple and obvious. For certain values of "simple" and "obvious".
- MBH
- King of the Swingers
- Posts: 3346
- Joined: Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:07 pm
- Currently reading: 39 Clues series/Darksmith series/and....
- Location: Gateshead
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
Sounds like you've been listening in on my talks at work when I tell beginners about the Internet and I 'describe' the forms of Social Networking. I usually end up starting DVP off and introducing my visitors to threads like Stations and GAME3.
At the end of the month I'll need to start bringing them on here to show them how friendships can be formed around a common interest (but far less likely to amount to anything on a 'hanging around' site like Facebook).
Don't worry - I never show them any of the really crazy bits
.................. thinking about it - it's just as well I type this, as it's made me realize that unlike DVP where anyone could look through the threads (but not post), here you need a login even to see the threads. So if anyone wants me NOT to show people around, then give me shout.
At the end of the month I'll need to start bringing them on here to show them how friendships can be formed around a common interest (but far less likely to amount to anything on a 'hanging around' site like Facebook).
Don't worry - I never show them any of the really crazy bits
.................. thinking about it - it's just as well I type this, as it's made me realize that unlike DVP where anyone could look through the threads (but not post), here you need a login even to see the threads. So if anyone wants me NOT to show people around, then give me shout.
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
The decision not to have "guest" logins here was not taken lightly. I am still considering how best to approach this issue, since I'd like people to be able to browse the forums without a full log-in. But I am nervous about inadvertently breaking the system for the regular users!
Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.
All of my puzzles are simple and obvious. For certain values of "simple" and "obvious".
All of my puzzles are simple and obvious. For certain values of "simple" and "obvious".
- strep98
- One Hot Cherub
- Posts: 2191
- Joined: Wed Oct 01, 2008 8:27 pm
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- Location: Sunny Devon
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
Just finished
Dear Fatty (by Dawn French) tears and laughter here with her sort of autobiography.
Just started
The Bad Twin (Gary Troupe) again as I didn't understand it the first time and rewatching Lost from the beginning I thought it may help (but NO).
Dear Fatty (by Dawn French) tears and laughter here with her sort of autobiography.
Just started
The Bad Twin (Gary Troupe) again as I didn't understand it the first time and rewatching Lost from the beginning I thought it may help (but NO).
I don't have hot flushes. I have short holidays in the Tropics.
Women are Angels And when someone breaks our wings We simply continue to flyon a broomstick We are flexible like that.
A pesimist is only an optimist who knows more
Women are Angels And when someone breaks our wings We simply continue to flyon a broomstick We are flexible like that.
A pesimist is only an optimist who knows more
- MBH
- King of the Swingers
- Posts: 3346
- Joined: Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:07 pm
- Currently reading: 39 Clues series/Darksmith series/and....
- Location: Gateshead
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
Great - that means that my 'Guided Tours' are OKScurra wrote:I'd like people to be able to browse the forums without a full log-in.
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
I'm currently reading Shirley by Charlotte Bronte. This is a major breakthrough. I've read and love all her other books, and I've been trying on and off for the last ten years to get into it, and I've finally got past chapter five and got to the good bit! Hurray!!!
- eirian
- Posts: 944
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Re: I'm Busy Reading....
I've only read Shirley once. Did like it, but you are right, rather hard going at times. Worth reading though.
I'm currently reading Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. Oh, and Dr Spock...
I'm currently reading Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. Oh, and Dr Spock...
Perseverance: - the courage to ignore the obvious wisdom and carry on anyway
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
Chuck Dr Spock out
We don't stop laughing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop laughing!
- maisie ladybird
- Posts: 3320
- Joined: Wed Oct 08, 2008 8:48 pm
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
Read Jonathan Strange last year and loved it, kept it to read again at some point in the future
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
I've not tried Shirley yet. Maybe I should give it a go. I enjoyed Jane Eyre when I did it for O level. (Only a year or two ago )
I'm currently reading "Watching the English" by Kate Fox which my daughter gave me for Christmas. It is by turns amusing and cringeworthy as she attempts to define "Englishness". She also comes up with observations about how we react to queue jumpers (muttering, glaring etc but rarely actually accosting the queue jumper) and how when someone bumps into us we almost invariably apologise to them!! It's very readable anthropology.
I'm currently reading "Watching the English" by Kate Fox which my daughter gave me for Christmas. It is by turns amusing and cringeworthy as she attempts to define "Englishness". She also comes up with observations about how we react to queue jumpers (muttering, glaring etc but rarely actually accosting the queue jumper) and how when someone bumps into us we almost invariably apologise to them!! It's very readable anthropology.
- MBH
- King of the Swingers
- Posts: 3346
- Joined: Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:07 pm
- Currently reading: 39 Clues series/Darksmith series/and....
- Location: Gateshead
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
Shows how much (little) I know - I had to google "Jonathan Strange" to find out that Mr Norrell is NOT a second book
Sorry ladies - I've never been one for the 'Classics' (romantic or otherwise). I'm with Mark Twain on this one "A classic is a book that everyone wants to have read, but no one wants to read."
Sorry ladies - I've never been one for the 'Classics' (romantic or otherwise). I'm with Mark Twain on this one "A classic is a book that everyone wants to have read, but no one wants to read."
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
Well, it's your loss
But I do think that books that have survived for several centuries and are still read and enjoyed must have something going for them! I still can't entirely get over the fact that it was my mother (Wulfruna) who gave me Jane Eyre to read when I was a teenager. Giving a teenaged boy Charlotte Brontë?! She was right though. It's still one of the best books I've ever read.
Sadly, my current reading is somewhat more low-brow: Air Apparent (yes, that's the 31st Xanth book!)
But I do think that books that have survived for several centuries and are still read and enjoyed must have something going for them! I still can't entirely get over the fact that it was my mother (Wulfruna) who gave me Jane Eyre to read when I was a teenager. Giving a teenaged boy Charlotte Brontë?! She was right though. It's still one of the best books I've ever read.
Sadly, my current reading is somewhat more low-brow: Air Apparent (yes, that's the 31st Xanth book!)
Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.
All of my puzzles are simple and obvious. For certain values of "simple" and "obvious".
All of my puzzles are simple and obvious. For certain values of "simple" and "obvious".
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
Classics are, in some cases, overrated - and the term "classic" used far too soon in their life, really should just be called "popular" or "award-winning" (which aren't necessarily the same thing). On the other hand, the term "classic" really can apply to those which are an outstanding representation of their class.
Which reminds me, part way through reading Treasure Island to Monkey at odd intervals.
Which reminds me, part way through reading Treasure Island to Monkey at odd intervals.
- MBH
- King of the Swingers
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- Joined: Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:07 pm
- Currently reading: 39 Clues series/Darksmith series/and....
- Location: Gateshead
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
LOL at Scurra. Since I was always reading (at school) I was thought of as a swot - but I never got above 'low brow'. If I ever ended up on 'Desert Island Disks' I'd be looking to swap those complete works of the Bard for the complete history of Xanth,
After saying that, low-brow doesn't necessarily mean stupid or easy. Ian Flemming's James Bond books were not the easiest read as a 12-13-14 year old, and I think I came out OK English-wise apart from my dodgy spelling.
Since I was such a big reader, I was 'pushed' into that hell known as English Literature in my last years at school. I can't remember how I did it, but I got myself transferred out within 2 months. When I was asked if I liked Kipling I told them "I don't know - I've never Kippled"
[Classic - as in OLD - jokes are a different matter, but the Eng.Lit story is true]
After saying that, low-brow doesn't necessarily mean stupid or easy. Ian Flemming's James Bond books were not the easiest read as a 12-13-14 year old, and I think I came out OK English-wise apart from my dodgy spelling.
Since I was such a big reader, I was 'pushed' into that hell known as English Literature in my last years at school. I can't remember how I did it, but I got myself transferred out within 2 months. When I was asked if I liked Kipling I told them "I don't know - I've never Kippled"
[Classic - as in OLD - jokes are a different matter, but the Eng.Lit story is true]
- Bunnylump
- Granny Boingybott
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- Location: Treacle Bumstead
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
I'm very glad to hear it!!
Another late bird I see...
Another late bird I see...
You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.
“Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it yet.”
“Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it yet.”
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
If I were you, I'd try Vilette or The Professor first. I found them much easier to get into - evidenced by the fact that the covers are now falling off these books. I went on to a new copy of Jane Eyre years ago. And yes, if I like a book, I do keep reading it over and over. Must have read Jane Eyre 30 times at least!LAT wrote:I've not tried Shirley yet. Maybe I should give it a go. I enjoyed Jane Eyre when I did it for O level. (Only a year or two ago )
- MBH
- King of the Swingers
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- Joined: Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:07 pm
- Currently reading: 39 Clues series/Darksmith series/and....
- Location: Gateshead
Re: I'm Busy Reading....
I may not be into Jane Eyre but:
MBH on DVP wrote:I was trying to teach Jayne Austin to use the Word Processor last week
- Bunnylump
- Granny Boingybott
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Re: I'm Busy Reading....
Now that is quite a claim to fame!
You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.
“Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it yet.”
“Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it yet.”
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