OK, so me and N talked last night, and she agrees with me that the Once Upon a Time reading challenge sounds like great fun, and something we as readers should be involved in. The basic premise is that you can decide a challenge from the list on the website to further expand your horizons … Continue reading Once Upon A Time
2010
In Praise of…Robin Jarvis
Sometimes, when browsing my local crack den, I mean second hand bookshop, certain books just reach out and grab me. ‘Buy me’, they cry helplessly as my fingers caress the unbroken spine (how? How do you do this? Seriously I have been reading paperbacks with spines for about twenty years now and have never managed … Continue reading In Praise of…Robin Jarvis
There’s nothing wrong with Marian Keyes
Right, I’m going to say it, I’m just going to come out and say it. No holding back any longer, I am a strong independent woman who has the right to state her own opinion freely and without fear. I really really love Marian Keyes. Not in a lazy-Sunday-afternoon-in-the-bath way, not in a holiday-reading way, … Continue reading There’s nothing wrong with Marian Keyes
Sabrina Fair – John Milton
Sabrina Fair Sweet Echo, sweetest Nymph that livst unseen Within thy airy shell By slow Meander's margent green, And in the violet imbroider'd vale Where the love-lorn Nightingale Nightly to thee her sad Song mourneth well. Canst thou not tell me of a gentle Pair That likest thy Narcissus are? O if thou have Hid … Continue reading Sabrina Fair – John Milton
Funeral Blues – W.H. Auden
Funeral Blues Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone, Silence the pianos and with muffled drum Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead, Put crepe bows round the white necks … Continue reading Funeral Blues – W.H. Auden
Alice in Wonderland
Tim Burton's 2010 3D extravagansa!!! The three book-clubbers, and honoured guest - Lela - ventured into the 3D world in order to see this film in all its glory...and whatever our views about the film, the 3D does not disappoint. In fact, the Doctor Who trailer was terrifying!!! I personally have always had a deep … Continue reading Alice in Wonderland
In Praise of the Quick Reads
The Quick Reads scheme is one well known in the inner sanctum of the world of libraries and reader organisations and groups...and I wish to share my love of them . Quick Reads were launched in 2006 and since then there has been over 50 titles published under the brand, the latest 10 being published … Continue reading In Praise of the Quick Reads
Sonnet VII – Hartley Coleridge
Sonnet VII Is love a fancy, or a feeling? No. It is immortal as immaculate Truth, 'Tis not a blossom shed as soon as youth, Drops from the stem of life--for it will grow, In barren regions, where no waters flow, Nor rays of promise cheats the pensive gloom. A darkling fire, faint hovering o'er … Continue reading Sonnet VII – Hartley Coleridge
Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep – Mary Elizabeth Frye
Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep Do not stand at my grave and forever weep. I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn’s rain. When you awaken … Continue reading Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep – Mary Elizabeth Frye
BookElf’s Top Reads Ever (so far…)
It's the evening shift and I'm on my own. The shelves are neat, and shelving done. The New Book List is updated, the gate count inserted onto the spreadsheet. The students are happily tapping away, and all I have to do is relax and decide once and for all my Top Reads which I would … Continue reading BookElf’s Top Reads Ever (so far…)
LeedsBookClub 