Source: (consider it)
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Thread: Ship's book group thread.
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Golden Key
Shipmate
# 1468
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Posted
I'd like to lead "Six Of One", by Rita Mae Brown.
-------------------- Blessed Gator, pray for us! --"Oh bat bladders, do you have to bring common sense into this?" (Dragon, "Jane & the Dragon") --"Oh, Peace Train, save this country!" (Yusuf/Cat Stevens, "Peace Train")
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Sir Kevin
Ship's Gaffer
# 3492
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Tree Bee: Big Russ is available from amazon.co.uk. Please post if you would be interested in reading it for this group.
I might be tempted to lead the group next year, perhaps in February or March...
-------------------- If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction Dietrich Bonhoeffer Writing is currently my hobby, not yet my profession.
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
Six of One has some very positive reviews here. When would you like to lead it GK?
Sir Kevin, I'm uncertain about the popularity of Big Russ on this thread. No-one has posted so far to say they would like to read it.
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
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Sarasa
Shipmate
# 12271
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Posted
'Six of One' sounds like fun. I'm not sure about 'Big Russ' as I haven't a clue who the bloke is - but if you think it's a good read Sir Kevin, I'd be willing to give it a whirl. I'm re-reading Nuns and Soliders by Iris Murduch at the moment. It's one of my favourite books, and I'd love to find out what you all think. Looking at the Amazon reviews it appears to be a book you either love of loathe.
[Fixed the link] [ 26. November 2011, 00:38: Message edited by: jedijudy ]
-------------------- 'I guess things didn't go so well tonight, but I'm trying. Lord, I'm trying.' Charlie (Harvey Keitel) in Mean Streets.
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
Putting those suggestions together and making a few assumptions we have:
Jan - Rita Mae Brown - Six of One led by Golden Key.
Feb - Tim Russert - Big Russ led by Sir Kevin.
March - Francesca Kay - The Translation of the Bones led by Gussie
April - Iris Murdoch - Nuns and Soldiers led by Gussie.
Gussie that does give you 2 threads to lead in succession. Are you OK with that?
Thanks for these suggestions. If anyone has any ideas for December - something light, short and festive preferred, there's still time!
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
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Sarasa
Shipmate
# 12271
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Posted
I'm fine leading two in a row, but if a few more ideas come forward we could move the Francesca Kay to a bit later when, with a bit of luck, it'll be out in the USA.
How about something very short like Clement Moore's The Night Before Christmas for December?
-------------------- 'I guess things didn't go so well tonight, but I'm trying. Lord, I'm trying.' Charlie (Harvey Keitel) in Mean Streets.
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Sir Kevin
Ship's Gaffer
# 3492
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Tree Bee:
Sir Kevin, I'm uncertain about the popularity of Big Russ on this thread. No-one has posted so far to say they would like to read it.
For those who don't live in the US, the late Tim Russert was a beloved and erudite television journalist who hosted a Sunday morning political chat show. Big Russ is the story of growing up in a catholic household with a loving, hard-working father who was a World War II vet that held down two jobs to support his family. Big Russ (Tim Senior) reminds me of my father in some ways: Dad didn't like to talk about the War either.
I am reading the book slowly and sporadically, but I shall finish it in late January if sufficient interest is there to make it worth discussing the following month. My wife read it for her church book group earlier this year.
-------------------- If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction Dietrich Bonhoeffer Writing is currently my hobby, not yet my profession.
Posts: 30517 | From: White Hart Lane | Registered: Oct 2002
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Golden Key
Shipmate
# 1468
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Posted
Tree Bee--
Sorry for the delay. January is fine.
If you get no other suggestions for a short read for December, you might try the "The Golden Key". It's George MacDonald's wonderful story, and that page has the full text. YMMV.
-------------------- Blessed Gator, pray for us! --"Oh bat bladders, do you have to bring common sense into this?" (Dragon, "Jane & the Dragon") --"Oh, Peace Train, save this country!" (Yusuf/Cat Stevens, "Peace Train")
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Sir Kevin
Ship's Gaffer
# 3492
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Posted
I like Mr. MacDonald:if December is not possible, I shall abandon Big Russ due to complete lack of interest in the UK and elsewhere. Would February suit?
-------------------- If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction Dietrich Bonhoeffer Writing is currently my hobby, not yet my profession.
Posts: 30517 | From: White Hart Lane | Registered: Oct 2002
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
Sure, Sr K.
2012 programme so far:
Jan - Rita Mae Brown ,Six of One led by Golden Key.
Feb - Tim Russert ,Big Russ led by Sir Kevin.
March - Francesca Kay ,The Translation of the Bones led by Gussie
April - Iris Murdoch ,Nuns and Soldiers led by Gussie.
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
Posts: 5257 | From: me to you. | Registered: Feb 2003
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Sir Kevin
Ship's Gaffer
# 3492
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Posted
I have abandoned reading Big Russ for now as I am reading the telephone book, erm I mean Murakami's 1Q84 which is about 925 pages and was originally published in three volumes!
-------------------- If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction Dietrich Bonhoeffer Writing is currently my hobby, not yet my profession.
Posts: 30517 | From: White Hart Lane | Registered: Oct 2002
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Sir Kevin
Ship's Gaffer
# 3492
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Posted
It's a quick read: I am nearly two-thirds of the way though it. Would this make a good book for February if no one likes Big Russ?
-------------------- If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction Dietrich Bonhoeffer Writing is currently my hobby, not yet my profession.
Posts: 30517 | From: White Hart Lane | Registered: Oct 2002
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
Our first book for 2012 will be Rita Mae Brown's Six of One which be led by Golden Key. Get your orders in now!
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
Posts: 5257 | From: me to you. | Registered: Feb 2003
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jedijudy
Organist of the Jedi Temple
# 333
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Posted
*Bump*
-------------------- Jasmine, little cat with a big heart.
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
Thanks jj.
Sir K, I'm thinking that you can choose which of your two suggested books you would prefer to lead the February thread with.
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
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Sir Kevin
Ship's Gaffer
# 3492
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Posted
I think I'll go with Big Russ because I own it and it's more accessible. 1Q84 is a terrific book, but not everyone's into surrealism and it could be hard to find. I had to wait weeks to get it from the library.
-------------------- If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction Dietrich Bonhoeffer Writing is currently my hobby, not yet my profession.
Posts: 30517 | From: White Hart Lane | Registered: Oct 2002
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
Thanks Sir K.
We'll stay with this programme then:
Feb - Tim Russert Big Russ led by Sir Kevin.
March - Francesca Kay The Translation of the Bones led by Gussie
April - Iris Murdoch Nuns and Soldiers led by Gussie.
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
Posts: 5257 | From: me to you. | Registered: Feb 2003
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
February is on the horizon, so if you are considering joining the ship book group next month, be forewarned that our read will be Big Russ by Tim Russert and it will be led by Sir Kevin.
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
Posts: 5257 | From: me to you. | Registered: Feb 2003
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Dafyd
Shipmate
# 5549
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Posted
Has anybody suggested the trilogy starting with Equations of Flight by Simon Morden?
-------------------- we remain, thanks to original sin, much in love with talking about, rather than with, one another. Rowan Williams
Posts: 10567 | From: Edinburgh | Registered: Feb 2004
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Paul.
Shipmate
# 37
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Posted
If anyone were to, I'd join in as it's sitting on my Kindle waiting to be read. Just need a reason to push it to the top of the to-be-read list.
Posts: 3689 | From: UK | Registered: Jun 2004
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
No, up to now no-one has suggested it , but you'll do Dafyd. I'll add Equations of Life by Simon Morden to the programme for May. Would you be up for leading that thread Dafyd?
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
Posts: 5257 | From: me to you. | Registered: Feb 2003
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Dafyd
Shipmate
# 5549
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Tree Bee: I'll add Equations of Life by Simon Morden to the programme for May. Would you be up for leading that thread Dafyd?
Ok. I'm up to lead it.
-------------------- we remain, thanks to original sin, much in love with talking about, rather than with, one another. Rowan Williams
Posts: 10567 | From: Edinburgh | Registered: Feb 2004
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UCCLynn
Apprentice
# 16633
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Posted
Hello, everyone!
I am hoping that someone can steer me in the right direction. Where are the threads for the discussions of last year's books? I have gone to limbo with no luck. Specifically, I am hoping to read your comments with respect to the Henrietta Lacks book. I am on the 19th chapter now. A book club that I am in will discuss this book in early march. I thought I might look at some of the questions that you raise, as well as to look at some of your reactions to the book.
I like it very much and am both horrified and not surprised at much that has unfolded.
Thank you,
Lynn
Posts: 27 | From: Central Illinois, USA | Registered: Sep 2011
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
We read the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks last August. I guess it's now in Oblivion but I can't work out how to find the thread. I also have this trouble when I want to read old book group threads. Usually someone kind and knowledgable posts a link.
The upcoming programme now looks like this:
March - Francesca Kay,The Translation of the Bones led by Gussie.
April - Iris Murdoch,Nuns and Soldiers led by Gussie.
May - Equations of Life by Simon Morden led by Dafyd.
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
Posts: 5257 | From: me to you. | Registered: Feb 2003
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Scarlet
Mellon Collie
# 1738
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Posted
August 2011 Book Group - Henrietta Lacks
I live to serve ~
Enjoy! (Actually, I had the last post on the thread - what a good book)
-------------------- They took from their surroundings what was needed... and made of it something more. —dialogue from Primer
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Sarasa
Shipmate
# 12271
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Posted
I'm reading Hilary Mantel's Beyond Black at the moment. It's one of the best and scariest books I've read in an age. Not sure if people on this forum would want to read it as it's about a spiritualist medium, but I think it could promote some interesting discussion.
-------------------- 'I guess things didn't go so well tonight, but I'm trying. Lord, I'm trying.' Charlie (Harvey Keitel) in Mean Streets.
Posts: 2035 | From: London | Registered: Jan 2007
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Evangeline
Shipmate
# 7002
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Posted
Oooh Beyond Black looks good, I'm going to get a copy!
Posts: 2871 | From: "A capsule of modernity afloat in a wild sea" | Registered: May 2004
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
Beyond Black does look intriguing. What makes me want to add this to our programme is that the amazon reviews are almost evenly spread between one and five stars, so the discussion should be interesting.
I'll put it in for June.
Gussie, you're busy already with leading 2 other threads that I hesitate to ask you to lead another one. What say you?
Upcoming:
March - Francesca Kay,The Translation of the Bones led by Gussie.
April - Iris Murdoch,Nuns and Soldiers led by Gussie.
May - Equations of Life by Simon Morden led by Dafyd.
June - Hilary Mantel, Beyond Black.
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
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birdie
fowl
# 2173
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Posted
Beyond Black is excellent. It was Radio 4's book of the week some time ago and I heard bits of it, but not enough to know what happened, so went out and bought the book.
I think I read it in one sitting. It is fascinating: very, very dark with moments of hilarity.
-------------------- "Gentlemen, I wash my hands of this weirdness." Captain Jack Sparrow
Posts: 1290 | From: the edge | Registered: Jan 2002
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birdie
fowl
# 2173
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Posted
Meant to say, in theory I'm happy to lead the discussion of Beyond Black, but I'm aware that Life might take over. (It has a habit of doing that.) You're welcome to put me down to lead, but if anyone else has a burning desire to do so, I won't stand in their way!
-------------------- "Gentlemen, I wash my hands of this weirdness." Captain Jack Sparrow
Posts: 1290 | From: the edge | Registered: Jan 2002
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Sarasa
Shipmate
# 12271
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Posted
Birdie it would be great if you could do 'Beyond Black'. I'm happy to be back up if you have to drop out at the last minute.
-------------------- 'I guess things didn't go so well tonight, but I'm trying. Lord, I'm trying.' Charlie (Harvey Keitel) in Mean Streets.
Posts: 2035 | From: London | Registered: Jan 2007
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birdie
fowl
# 2173
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Posted
It's a deal. Now I just need to find my copy, which I think is in one of the boxes in the garage marked 'we will be moving some time in the next millenium, really we will'.
-------------------- "Gentlemen, I wash my hands of this weirdness." Captain Jack Sparrow
Posts: 1290 | From: the edge | Registered: Jan 2002
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
Cheers guys:
Upcoming:
March - Francesca Kay,The Translation of the Bones led by Gussie.
April - Iris Murdoch,Nuns and Soldiers led by Gussie.
May - Equations of Life by Simon Morden led by Dafyd.
June - Hilary Mantel, Beyond Black led by birdie.
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
Posts: 5257 | From: me to you. | Registered: Feb 2003
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UCCLynn
Apprentice
# 16633
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Posted
A very belated thank you to Scarlet for posting the link to The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks! I haven't been online much lately and I hadn't noticed the link.
Thanks again!
Posts: 27 | From: Central Illinois, USA | Registered: Sep 2011
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Sir Kevin
Ship's Gaffer
# 3492
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Posted
As I am RC and of British and Irish ancestry, Kay's book fascinates me. I read part of the first chapter on Amazon and have ordered it from my local branch library: I should have it on Tuesday or Wednesday. I'm hoping I can finish it within three weeks.
-------------------- If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction Dietrich Bonhoeffer Writing is currently my hobby, not yet my profession.
Posts: 30517 | From: White Hart Lane | Registered: Oct 2002
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Sarasa
Shipmate
# 12271
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Posted
Thanks for reminding me Sir Kevin, I've posted up a thread about it so people can get cracking.
I'll be interested to see what American members of the group make of it - it seemed very 'British' to me on a first reading.
-------------------- 'I guess things didn't go so well tonight, but I'm trying. Lord, I'm trying.' Charlie (Harvey Keitel) in Mean Streets.
Posts: 2035 | From: London | Registered: Jan 2007
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Trudy Scrumptious
BBE Shieldmaiden
# 5647
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by Dafyd: Has anybody suggested the trilogy starting with Equations of Flight by Simon Morden?
Oh, I've been meaning to read one of his books for awhile, and having missed the last few book group threads, that would be a good time for me join in.
-------------------- Books and things.
I lied. There are no things. Just books.
Posts: 7428 | From: Closer to Paris than I am to Vancouver | Registered: Mar 2004
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
In the March book group thread the question was asked how books are chosen for our discussion. I welcome any suggestions for suitable books. These should ideally be widely available, either to buy, download or borrow.
Books that inspire an enthusiasm among shipmates are more likely to appeal to a larger number.
Threads that work best are led by someone who knows the book and can draw the discussion out. It helps if the book is in some way controversial. Nothing worse than everyone agreeing!
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
Posts: 5257 | From: me to you. | Registered: Feb 2003
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Sir Kevin
Ship's Gaffer
# 3492
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Posted
Am I the only one who has heard the dramatization of Three Men in a Boat on Radio 4extra? It is fairly well-done, but the episode of the pineapple tin, with illustration in my first edition, was far funnier in print. Long-time readers may remember the discussion I led one or two years ago...
I likely did a good job because it is by far and away my favourite novel.
-------------------- If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction Dietrich Bonhoeffer Writing is currently my hobby, not yet my profession.
Posts: 30517 | From: White Hart Lane | Registered: Oct 2002
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
Bumping up as I had a sudden panic this thread would sink while I'm Down Under.
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
Posts: 5257 | From: me to you. | Registered: Feb 2003
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
A heads up that April's book will be Iris Murdoch's Nuns and Soldiers. The thread will be led by Gussie.
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
Posts: 5257 | From: me to you. | Registered: Feb 2003
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jedijudy
Organist of the Jedi Temple
# 333
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Posted
Bump.
-------------------- Jasmine, little cat with a big heart.
Posts: 18017 | From: 'Twixt the 'Glades and the Gulf | Registered: Aug 2001
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Golden Key
Shipmate
# 1468
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Posted
I'd like to facilitate a discussion of Terry Pratchett's "The Thief Of Time". One of his best, IMHO. It's got everything.
I was thinking of July, August, or September...
-------------------- Blessed Gator, pray for us! --"Oh bat bladders, do you have to bring common sense into this?" (Dragon, "Jane & the Dragon") --"Oh, Peace Train, save this country!" (Yusuf/Cat Stevens, "Peace Train")
Posts: 18601 | From: Chilling out in an undisclosed, sincere pumpkin patch. | Registered: Oct 2001
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
Last time we read a Pratchett we got a good response, so pick your month Golden Key!
Current programme looks exactly like this:
April - Iris Murdoch,Nuns and Soldiers led by Gussie.
May - Equations of Life by Simon Morden led by Dafyd.
June - Hilary Mantel, Beyond Black led by birdie
Not many shipmates can get hold of a copy of Nuns and Soldiers, so if you have any interest in reading this, or any other Iris Murdoch, please join in if you can.
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
Posts: 5257 | From: me to you. | Registered: Feb 2003
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Golden Key
Shipmate
# 1468
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Posted
Ok, Tree Bee. I'll do Terry Pratchett's "Thief of Time" in July, then.
-------------------- Blessed Gator, pray for us! --"Oh bat bladders, do you have to bring common sense into this?" (Dragon, "Jane & the Dragon") --"Oh, Peace Train, save this country!" (Yusuf/Cat Stevens, "Peace Train")
Posts: 18601 | From: Chilling out in an undisclosed, sincere pumpkin patch. | Registered: Oct 2001
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QLib
Bad Example
# 43
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Posted
I suggest Andrea Levy's The Long Song for August.
-------------------- Tradition is the handing down of the flame, not the worship of the ashes Gustav Mahler.
Posts: 8913 | From: Page 28 | Registered: May 2001
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
quote: Originally posted by QLib: I suggest Andrea Levy's The Long Song for August.
Looks interesting, you're on.
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
Posts: 5257 | From: me to you. | Registered: Feb 2003
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Sir Kevin
Ship's Gaffer
# 3492
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Posted
Pass - no interest. I shall try to locate the Pratchett.
-------------------- If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction Dietrich Bonhoeffer Writing is currently my hobby, not yet my profession.
Posts: 30517 | From: White Hart Lane | Registered: Oct 2002
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Tree Bee
Ship's tiller girl
# 4033
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Posted
Pratchett's not till July Sir K.
Forthcoming programme as follows:
May - Equations of Life by Simon Morden led by Dafyd.
June - Hilary Mantel, Beyond Black led by birdie
July - Terry Pratchett, Thief of Time led by Golden Key.
August - Andrea Levy, The Long Song led by QLib(?)
-------------------- "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." — Woody Guthrie http://saysaysay54.wordpress.com
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