The FastDay Forum

Hi WendyDarling,

Doran Gray was the first book I read on my Kindle even though it has been kicking around the house for ever in book form, such is the magic of Kindle. Know what you mean about time though, there is ever enough of the stuff,

Ballerina x

[Tracieknits]

Well I've been a bit Missing in Action on the forum because I've found the Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) series. It all started harmlessly and normally enough, until about 2/3 of the way through book one, when the book grabs you by the neck and refuses to let go until you have finished the series!! I just put down book four and am about to pick up book five. It's been a struggle to tear myself away for the basic necessities of life, like feeding the family or doing the laundry. Thankfully my husband is now so enthralled that he hasn't noticed the slack

I just finished reading "Grand Sophy" by Georgette Heyer, who wrote in the 1950s. It was very funny and witty, a comedy of manners, set in London in the 1800s society crowd. Similar to Jane Austin, but funny all the way through.

TML, have you ever read Mary Stewart? She also wrote in the 1950s to 1970s, typically about English women in foreign lands (except for a 4 book series on Merlin). Three are set in Greece: My Brother Michael, The Moonspinners and This Rough Magic. They were my favorites when I was young and I have recently re-read them-- still love them. They made me want to see Greece (which I still haven't done). She has a knack for suspense and romance. I wish I could find another author like her.

Mary Stewart, Dorian Grey... oh my youth, LOL!
I've read most of the classics before I was 20 or so, and then got started with the silly, chick lit, happy stuff.
Must confess though, for me a kindle and the likes is not a book. I hate them. I do own one, I tried to use it but it just won't happen. The smell of paper, the turning of pages, the notes, seeing a book with fingerprints from sun lotion and thinking "ooooh I read this on that holiday" cannot be replaced.
Thanks again for all the suggestions. I will take notes and start a list soon.

Well I've been a bit Missing in Action on the forum because I've found the Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) series. It all started harmlessly and normally enough, until about 2/3 of the way through book one, when the book grabs you by the neck and refuses to let go until you have finished the series!! I just put down book four and am about to pick up book five. It's been a struggle to tear myself away for the basic necessities of life, like feeding the family or doing the laundry. Thankfully my husband is now so enthralled that he hasn't noticed the slack

Tracieknits, my son has devoured the series and watched all three of the TV series currently available. It's pretty much all he has talked about since finishing his exams in June;) I'd like to read the books but am scared of getting hooked - 7 books is a mammoth task with a real life to live as well.

We were on holiday near Dubrovnik last month and he dragged us on a tour of all the filming locations he could find. We actually stumbled on them filming at the arboretum in Trsteno, but didn't see any real action, just lots and lots of people moving equipment and props around in the boiling heat! The crew and cast appeared to be staying at the Radisson Blu resort just north of Dubrovnik if you're looking for your next holiday location....

Absolutely agree. My favourite thing to do, lie about with a great book and while away the hours, delicious!

We didn't move to our present place on purpose because it's next to the "big" public library downtown--but how convenient to feed my addiction! Bring on the historical fiction, the mystery historical fiction, the bios and other historical non-fiction--the more the better. I just finished the audiobook version of Joe Persico's new book: Roosevelt's Centurians about FDR as a war leader and his excellent commanders. ( I like to listen while doing those boring daily chores around the house.)

Too many books, not enough time. We're all huge readers here. Loved Game of Thrones, wish he would hurry up and finish the next one.

[Tracieknits]

Wow Aperitif - how cool! There's only five books published so far, if that helps

They're really good and really worth it! I'm about 1/4 through book 5

Heard a lot about the Game of Thrones, but not sure with full time employment, and family commitments, I dare start it!!

Marybeth, would love the time to read more recent history, especially American history. My degree was about a third American Literature, and we also did a bit of history as context. FDR 'nothing to fear but fear itself' have always thought what a great phrase and wanted to find out more about him ...

Finished the Sweetshop of Dreams today, it was fantastic!!! Although I wouldn't advise anyone to read it if that can't eat sweets at the time, LOL! It is full of mouth-watering descriptions.
I think that Jenny Colgan is my type of writer, considering that it was the third book by her that I finished and loved!

As per the Game of Thrones, knowing that I usually dislike popular stuff (I got bored of Lost in the middle of the second series) I won't go near it, LOL.

Hi Silverdarling, Yes, I'm really enjoying retirement and one of the reasons is all the time to read.

My blue collar family all revered FDR--so I'm always shocked to hear someone call him a "crazy man" because of his social policies. I'll bet they don't send back their Social Security Retirement Benefits, though! I wish the US could catch up with most of the rest of the world in this respect.

Ah, Marybeth, I know a family who was dead poor with no hope for any health benefits. This changed recently, they do have benefits, they go to doctors et all and yet they still oppose to "Obama care".
Anyway, we all are entitled to our opinions, although I do wish that some people formed theirs after doing some reading, research etc.

@Silverdarling, I thought you, and some others, might be interested in this Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) series about the three Roosevelts: Theodore, Eleanor, and Franklin (she was Theodore's niece and Franklin's 5th cousin). http://www.pbs.org/kenburns/films/the-roosevelts

The first episode is to be broadcast on Sunday, September 14, 2014. Here in the US, PBS usually makes their programs available online the next day after the broadcast--I don't know what happens in the UK or anywhere else.

I hope you'll get a chance to see it, if you want to.