BOOKS YOU MUST READ BEFORE YOU SHUFFLE OFF THIS MORTAL COIL

loringa · Post by **loringa** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 10:22 am

AKAP wrote:I really struggled with Focault's pendulum, but did finish it.

When I resd the De Vinci code it seemed to owe it's story line to that book. (But a much easier read).

I couldn't agree more although Foucault's Pendulum is definitely the A Level version compared with the Da Vinci Code's SATS. Interestingly, rather than acknowledging the link, Eco appears to have nothing but contempt for Dan Browne's product. Personally, I quite enjoyed the Da Vinci Code but it's pretty good rubbish in parts and where does 'Sir Leigh Teabag' come from, he hardly strikes me as the typical English gent? I suppose that's the root of the problem: Americans really don't understand British society so their stereotypes and caricatures never really ring true. (The converse is probably also the case).

cj · Post by cj » Sun Sep 03, 2006 10:37 pm

One of the best children's books I had (and a definite contender for my desert island choice) would be Andre Maurois's 'Fattypuffs and Thinifers'. He also wrote the introduction to Labyrinths by Jorge Luis Borges (which is not for children!). I also treasure the Moomins and look forward to the day my youngest will enjoy them too.

huntertitus · Post by **huntertitus** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 11:11 am

My favourite childrens books are the "Orlando the Marmalade Cat" books, written and beautifullly illustrated by Kathleen Hale, who used to look after the artist Augustus John. They are extremely eccenric and completely charming.

UserRequestedRemoval · Sun Sep 24, 2006 4:50 pm

I have just finished "A history of Britain" in 3 volumes by Simon Shama. I am not sure that I agree with all of his arguments or some of his conclusions but I am very glad that I read the books.

As for the Da Vinci code, I must say I enjoyed the book but hated the film.

For a boys own jolly good yarn, I would recommend The Eagle series of books (7 at the moment) by Simon Scarrow.

Yes I know I am a big kid.

blondie95 · Post by **blondie95** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 5:28 pm

A dry white season by Andre Brink, recomended by the wonderful Mr Reid for A level English as we did post-colonial literature, got to read it again at uni as did similiar module and still love it.

UserRequestedRemoval · Sun Sep 24, 2006 5:36 pm

Okay, I will give it a try

englishangel · Post by **englishangel** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 5:57 pm

Ther Mail on Sunday today has a list of the top 50 books you should have read before leaving university, from a students survey.

1984 came top.

No sign of Brave New World though and the most glaring omissions?

The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.

midget · Post by **midget** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:24 pm

soc wrote:I have just finished "A history of Britain" in 3 volumes by Simon Shama. I am not sure that I agree with all of his arguments or some of his conclusions but I am very glad that I read the books.

As for the Da Vinci code, I must say I enjoyed the book but hated the film.

For a boys own jolly good yarn, I would recommend The Eagle series of books (7 at the moment) by Simon Scarrow.

Yes I know I am a big kid.

Oh Yes! to Simon Scarrow

huntertitus · Post by **huntertitus** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 9:21 pm

I am getting really depressed

Please try onr of my recommended books

They have been thought about with love and in order for the intelligent people here to not waste their time any longer!

UserRequestedRemoval · Mon Sep 25, 2006 12:32 am

Hey Robin, don't be depressed. I have taken note of those books and will order them from the library over the next few months. I will let you know what I think of them if you want.

UserRequestedRemoval · Mon Sep 25, 2006 12:34 am

Ooops, I have already read Birdsong. I found it simply brilliant and like you Robin, I would recommend it to anyone.

icomefromalanddownunder · Mon Sep 25, 2006 6:47 am

huntertitus wrote:I am getting really depressed

Please try onr of my recommended books

They have been thought about with love and in order for the intelligent people here to not waste their time any longer!

Thank you for all the time and effort that you put in our behalves. However, at risk of depressing you further, I'm not particularly drawn to your choices

.

Haven't read Lillian's Story, but am no great fan of Kate Grenville's, so probably won't bother (unless it is chosen by a fellow book group member). I have just finished Secret River - ho hummish, in my opinion, with some boringly stereotypical characters who would have benefited from more attention to detail from Kate.

Ian McEwan - OK, but not books that I would include in the chest to be shipwrecked with.

I'm in particular need of cheering up at the moment, so this week's choice is 'My Family and Other Animals'. Once that has worked its magic I will get stuck into a re-read of 'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists' in order to help me understand how our esteemed PM (the grubby little gnome who keeps trying to wash the nether regions of Blair and Bush with his tongue) managed to get our newish industrial relations laws through Parliament.

Having finished that I shall be in need of a good cry. Hmmm, what will best suit my purpose? 'April Fools Day' always brings on tears of frustration...............

englishangel · Post by **englishangel** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 8:18 am

"My Family and other animals" is an interesting choice as I seem to remember DR reading it to us and nearly choking over the names of the puppies, Widdle and Puke.

I have just realised, I didn't even know what they meant at the time and wondered what her problem was.

icomefromalanddownunder · Mon Sep 25, 2006 8:23 am

englishangel wrote:"My Family and other animals" is an interesting choice as I seem to remember DR reading it to us and nearly choking over the names of the puppies, Widdle and Puke.

I have just realised, I didn't even know what they meant at the time and wondered what her problem was.

I don't remember DR reading it to us, but do remember it being one of our 'set' books for English with the lovely Mrs Betterton.

Do you remember the name Gerry's older brothers gave to his dinghy?

englishangel · Post by **englishangel** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 8:30 am

Perhaps I am mis-remembering. What was the dinghy called?

I went to the house in the book in 1984 while on holiday on Corfu. It was still fairly isolated then but I expect it has been over-run by tourists by now.