The FastDay Forum

Julieathome - it's Big Brother by Lionel Shriver, as suggested by dhana and sarahg, came out in May, available on amazon in hardcopy, kindle or audio, or local library or bookshop. We'll put a review thread up for it in September, to last the whole month.

I just saw this thread and it's right up my street being an avid reader too, in fact I started a thread about reading way back in February.

Anyway, I've already read 'Big Brother' but it is of course an excellent choice for a forum like ours! The subject matter is perfect and Lionel Shriver is an interesting author.

Another book I really enjoyed last week was 'The gift of Rain' by Tan Twan Eng which I tried because it was on Kindle at 99p for a while. So glad I did! Very atmospheric plus exciting and interesting history too. I'm looking forward to reading his next one soon.

As to the library I have to confess. I was an avid library user from the day my parents first carried me in to borrow Beatrix Potter books bound in maroon resin type backs. I introduced all my children to the library. I borrowed armfuls of books on a regular basis. And then there was a big flood at our local branch and it was shut for about a year (?) I went back once when it reopened but the magic had gone, along with many of the books. Plainly it just seemed rather boring and I'm no longer a user, which is hard to believe. Books are so readily available nowadays and kindle is fantastic too so I'm still reading as much as ever but not library books (sorry)

Have just finished re-reading 'Sunshine' by Robin McKinley. I would usually run a mile from any vampire stories but because I've enjoyed all of RM's other (nothing to do with vampires) books I gave this one a try a few years ago. It's now one of my comfort reads.

I've just requested Big Brother from my local library. They have two copies and two more on order and I'm 3rd in the queue so it shouldn't be long.

Hi folks!

This evening, I started "Staring At Lakes" by Michael Harding, an Irish author and semi (if not completely) autobiographical tale of an ex-priest who leaves his wife because he simply cannot stand the way in which she stacks the dishwasher! Well, there's more to it than that of course!

A nice read so far! There's has been a serious waiting list in the local library for this book.

I'll let you know if it is worth a read!

I am re-reading Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy (1993), after reading the news that he's facing legal troubles with his publisher for not delivering his sequel, A Suitable Girl. It's due to be published this year. Can't wait to read it.

Ah, and yes A Suitable Boy is a wonderful read. It's a book that strains the wrist (nearly 1500 pages long) but well worth it.

Thank you so much Silverdarlng, Dhana and Minsmum, what a great idea. Currently I am reading 'Little Women' on my kindle.

I have just bought Big Brother from Amazon for my kindle. It was 99p. Bargain!!

For anyone that doesn't have a kindle, you can download a free version onto your pc/laptop/iPad/tablet or whatever if you would like one. Just google 'kindle' and follow the download instructions. I have to say that although e-readers are not everyone's cup of tea, nor slice of cake for that matter, I definitely think they have their place alongside 'real' books. I have a kindle which is lightweight and has no glare in the sunshine, but I actually prefer to use the kindle app for the iPad. Don't know why, I think I am attracted by the colour, it's more like a book.

I buy all ebooks now as I really can't afford to use any more space on my bookshelves. I was a big public library fan and have used libraries since childhood but over the past few years my local library has had very little to offer. Sad but true. The only hardbacks I buy now have to be something really special.

Anyway, looking forward to the virtual quaffing and snacking. Thanks again

I am re-reading Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy (1993), after reading the news that he's facing legal troubles with his publisher for not delivering his sequel, A Suitable Girl. It's due to be published this year. Can't wait to read it.

I loved that book! It was as if I was absorbed into a different culture. I'd love to read the sequel.

I just saw this thread and it's right up my street being an avid reader too, in fact I started a thread about reading way back in February.


As to the library I have to confess. I was an avid library user from the day my parents first carried me in to borrow Beatrix Potter books bound in maroon resin type backs. I introduced all my children to the library. I borrowed armfuls of books on a regular basis. And then there was a big flood at our local branch and it was shut for about a year (?) I went back once when it reopened but the magic had gone, along with many of the books. Plainly it just seemed rather boring and I'm no longer a user, which is hard to believe. Books are so readily available nowadays and kindle is fantastic too so I'm still reading as much as ever but not library books (sorry)

Hi Gill - yes, your nearest town branch was flooded 5 years ago, when the whole town was flooded, and reopened 7 months later, having been newly refurbished. Libraries are a very personal experience for many users and I certainly can't disagree with you as everyone's entitled to their personal opinion, and many feel very protective and don't like any changes to their branches. But things have moved on in 5 years, and services are not just available from static libraries now. There is a new award winning library website at http://www.mylibrary.co.uk which can be used 24/7 for all sorts of services, including free e-book downloads (although not to kindle sadly - due to amazon's restrictions, not ours) and also to make requests, which have been free since April 2011 (you probably had to pay previously) Requests can be picked up at any library, not just the town library you mention, but also our village library ...

Give it a go, I will be interested to know what you think

Thanks for the info about Big Brother. It was over £8 when it was first suggested. I have also downloaded a couple more books from the Kindle Sale. If you have a Kindle it is worth a quick browse.

Yes, Silver Darling and Gill, the same is true here in NY state and all of North America as far as I know. I can request online books from other libraries (18 of them) in our regional system and also from outside the system to be delivered to my local library--no charge.

Not just for enjoyment, either. If you can't find the answer to your question online, go to the Reference Librarian (online chat, email, telephone, or in person) These people are expert researchers who can lead you to sources and even procure the actual information for you.

Full disclosure--I'm a retired librarian and super-avid reader who could never afford to buy all the books I want to read.

Please use and support your public libraries!--the peoples' university.

Hmmm! The earliest 'Big Brother' is back is the 20th of this month from either of the two libraries in the county that have it. So a Kindle purchase is on the cards.
Its shocking to think that there are only 11 libraries in our whole county and they have cut the mobile library service completely.

I can see this book club idea getting me out of a reading rut. Not that I have run out of books to read in my preferred style, but it will be nice to shake things up a bit.

I just bought a copy of Zelda Fitzgerald's book, "Save Me the Waltz" I'm not very far into it yet, but I'm definitely impressed. She's got her own style and a very strong voice. I suspect the only reason she's not more popular is because her vocabulary surpasses that of popular fiction - by a long shot!

Tracie, you should read "Call Me Zelda". I just finshed reading it. It was good and I think you may enjoy it. I read The Great Gatsby before that, right before the movie came out. Wonderful book.

I am now reading Making the Shift by Dr Wayne Dyer.