h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I don't remember reading anything so thought-provoking when I was a youngster. I hope that the target readership of the trilogy appreciate how lucky they are to have books like these.

I've started Simon Schama's A History of Britain 3000 BC to AD 1603. It's been on my bookshelves for nearly 15 years. Mind you, I recently started reading a book about Christopher Columbus which I've had for more than 20 years. I think my tsundoku has been getting out of hand.

I've been reading Stardust by Neil Gaiman on my Kindle. I knew that the book wasn't the same as the film, but not how much it differed. I enjoyed both, but in different ways and for different reasons.

Having finished Stardust, I've started Tai-Pan by James Clavell. Complete change of pace, tone, etc.

I'm reading Funny Girl by Nick Hornby. I think he writes women very well for the most part.

Recently finished re-reading "Little Fuzzy" by H. Beam Piper.

An unusual 'first contact' story having to do with a sapient alien species that happens to be appealing, endearing and fun to have around.

Still on the Barsoom books, and still enjoying them. About four or five in now (not as much chance to read as usual), and you can tell he's pushing the world/characters a bit, but they're still good.

I've just read three books back-to-back. As usual, the pile on my bedside table hasn't got any smaller, I just downloaded the 1 Euro offers as they came through for the Kindle. I'm not really very discerning, and it takes a lot for me to toss a book aside or give up half way through, but these all passed the unputdownable test, even though I just picked them at random from the weekly bargain basket.

The Brother's Lot by Kevin Holohan - About children in Church schools and the monks that educated them. The names of the monasteries, orders and convents are hilarious, the denouement is improbable and a little the weaker for that, but the subject matter is heart-rending and the people totally credible. I agree, for once, entirely with the comments other readers have posted on Amazon.

A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer - (don't forget these were the cheap offers, so it's not a new story) Rip-roaring tale, and you can tell he knows what it's like in prison!

Shifting Colours by Fiona Sussmann - Moving descriptions of South Africa under apartheid and of a girl who doesn't belong to the South Africa she was taken from or to the England she was taken to. Interesting use of some of the earlier passages of the book at later stages, as the memories come back to her again. Strangely, despite the subject-matter, a feel-good story.

Talking of feel-good stories - from the "Complete works of Charles Dickens" I started at the beginning and read the Pickwick Papers - for all its patchwork-ness, it's also a rounded story with an ending which brings a lump to your throat and makes you feel you've spent some time with good, faithful friends.

Recently started The Scramble for Africa by Thomas Pakenham. It's a real doorstop of a book, but actually quite readable.

Also reading Written in Stone by Brian Switek. The secondary title is 'The hidden secrets of fossils and the story of life on Earth', which tells you all you need to know, really.

truecrime - Jake Arnott. Very literary.

I'm re-reading The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde in between dipping into M. R. James' ghost stories.

The later ones get even better, Mr D.

That they do, Ed. I've read them before, but it's been a while so decided to start again.

The Eyre Affair is the only Jasper Fforde book I've tried. I didn't get very far with it - it just did nothing for me at all.

I'm currently re-reading Danse Macabre by Laurell K Hamilton. One of her Anita Blake series. Basically supernatural smut with a bit of back story. I preferred the earlier books, which were more storyline and less porn for those too blushing to buy what is open erotica. It's been a while since I've read them, and I'd forgotten how tedious the constant interruptions to the story are.

The problem with this thread is that people (me included) just post what they're reading and comment on it and then the next person lists their latest reading endeavours and comments on it, but there is not much two-way conversation. Still, I suppose there are book-reviewing sites somewhere where you can go into more detailed discussion with a thread for each book. Any recommendations?

I keep telling myself I should go back and read the thread and note down some books that sound interesting, but, with the thread being over 8000 posts and 14 years old (and it's also got a predecessor somewhere) that is a very daunting prospect.

BTW a few posts up, Sho said she was reading Funny Girl by Nick Hornby. I read that and enjoyed it, also because of his insight into his female characters and because of the nostalgic setting.

try goodreads TC

I review everything I read on Goodreads now (one of the reasons I don't post here very often, sorry).

Just read the original Jeeves Omnibus, followed by Wodehouse on Wodehouse (Bring on the Girls, Performing Flea, and Over Seventy, in a single volume). Both absolutely superb. Bring on the Girls in particular was a fascinating glimpse into 1920s America.

Mol

I would have loved to have seen the Bertie and Jeeves play that was recently on in London. With Stephen Mangan and Matthew Macfayden. One of them said in an interview that they hadn't read the books before playing the part, but had since become totally hooked on Wodehouse.

Oh, those two would have been good. I have a box set of Jeeves and Wooster to watch at some point - Fry and Laurie version - but the trouble there is that Stephen Fry isn't Jeeves. Deadpan, yes, but he's just too substantial, he can't shimmer into a room in the required way.

Wodehouse was a very joyful writer, which I think is why I like him so much.

Mol

I've used good reads before Sho, rather half-heartedly as I found it a bit hard to navigate. I might have another look.

I really only use it to keep track of what I'm reading. And when I have an essay to write, I play the Never Ending Book Quiz for hours