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

It's me about to start the Narnia Chronicles, and I will let you know what I think - I know it's going to take me back to my childhood, I'm so looking forward to it!

Have to get through Forever Odd by Dean Koontz first. Got that as a xmas pressie too and will read that before I start the others.

I join the ranks who love Terry Pratchett. All of the Granny Weatherwax books are wonderful, so I recommend everyone who likes TP to read them. I enjoy the recent books by TP too, but prefer the earlier ones. Happy reading all!

Currently powering through Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time books.

Now part way through Book 4: The Shadow Rising.

They're good so far, though sometimes it's difficult to keep a hold on all the threads, so to speak.

I got (because I asked for it) The Earthsea Quartet for Christmas...about to start on that. I rmember starting the first one (A Wizard Of Earthsea) when I was very young, but never came back to it.

I do like Ursula Le Guin's other books, so I'm looking forward to this, even though it's different to her other work.

Did I dream this, or it next in line for the Hollywood blockbuster treatment?

RF

There was a Earthsea TV series that is meant to be rubbish, though i haven't seen it.

Though recently I heard that Studio Gibli (makers of Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle) are meant to be doing a film of it.

That'd be anime, then? Shoorly the technology exists to do it proper now...

Actually, this opens up a new philosophical discussion...it used to be so easy to tell apart "live action" films from "animation", but with Pixar and Harry Potter the lines are becoming more blurred - particularly as the cartoon/game HP character appears to have more acting ability than Daniel Radcliffe...

RF

I am currently reading The Lighthouse by P.D. James.

ohh, RF, "miaow"!

I keep thinking I have to read the Earthsea books, but then something shiny and bright distracts me. Maybe later this year.

there was supposed to be a or two in there

just in case anyone thinks I was about picking a fight with RF

I just finished Going Postal the other day, just in time to read one of my pressies Thud - I'm looking forward to reading established characters again (as much as I enjoyed GP and Monstrous Regiment I miss all the old characters - hopefully he'll do another Wizard book sometime)

Yesterday, we went to a major book/stationery chain, so I could spend my Christmas vouchers. I saw a whole plethora of Robert Jordan books, evidently reprinted, and was quite tempted. After dithering between a Katherine Kerr, Steven Lawhead and a previously unknow (to me) I fell back on another David Gemmell. Presently, I am reading an amazing book by sarah Ash, then I will read the Gemmell, in parallel with Phantastes, by George MacDonald. A friend of mine gave it to me back in the '90s, and I've had it in the cupbaod since...

The Navigator of New York by Wayne Johnston- A terrific Canadian writer and a good read.

>That'd be anime, then? Shoorly the technology exists to do it proper now...<

Interesting. I take it the contention here is that 'anime' isn't proper film? Or is it just cartoons that aren't 'proper' films?

It would be a project that Ghibli would be ideal for, though I doubt they have the commitment to adapt all four books (they've never made a sequel to any of their stunningly sucessful films), so the story will be left hanging at some point.

Just finished 'The Plot Against America' by Phillip Roth
Very good for the most part although the ending seemed a bit contrived

Just finished 'Mist of Prophecies' by Steven Saylor.

I seem to be permanently stuck in Ancient Rome these days.

Hello, Blackberry Cat! Long time no sea, as the woman said to the fishmonger while inspecting his wares...

I want to read that book by Roth, I must get a round tuit...

Two questions for the HooToo literati...

Has anyone read "State of Fear" by Michael Crichton (I think I saw that someone had, but don't remember how long ago that was). What did you think of it?

And...

How many of Terry Prachett's books are about Granny Weatherwax? I know of only three, "Masquerade", "Wyrd Sisters" and "Lords and Ladies". Are there others?

I hope everyone has a happy New Year!

SC

'Maskerade' and 'Carpe Jugulum' for sure.

Though I still think Vimes and the Watch are Pratchett's finest (and most flexible) creations.

Granny Weatherwax is also in 'Equal Rites' and 'Witches Abroad'

Cracking reads, both of them

Lx

Great tips, thanks! *s off to get together some books to trade for book credit at the used book store*

SC

Haven't read that one by MC but have read most of his books. I'll put that one on my list. as a reply to those reading the Narnia Chronicles. I hope you all read the books (or have read them) before you view the film. They are truly magical. I read them as a child and at 52 I will read them again before I see the film. Is the film just the first installment IE The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, or is it a culmination of the entire series?