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" an instance of the fingerpost" by Iain Pears. I struggled through the 600 first pages, being tempted to give up on it several times, but other readers told me it was worth hanging on. I laid it aside for several weeks, then took it up again, but it didn't get any better. I hated it.

hardcovers or paperbacks ? I used to prefer hardcovers. they look so much better on the shelf ! However, after 3 removals, I decided I was tired of packing and unpacking dozens of books. I got rid of them, either by reselling or donating them . I only kept my very favourite. Now, I mainly buy...

she is one of my favourite writers. I enjoyed nearly all her novels equally, but my favourite are " dinner at the homesick restaurant" and " a patchwork planet".:p

I always feel a little embarrassed , too, when I see others listing Murakami and Chekov while I've read M.C Beaton and Lawrence Block, but then, I read all kinds and happen to be in a mystery phase just now. Besides, I never look down upon people who read romance or what we, in France, call "...

I just gave up "catcher in the rye" at page 80. I've never liked novels written in slang. I thought I ought to give this one a try nevertheless, as it is a classic, but I realized today I have to push myself to read page after page.

I cover all my books while reading them What are the tips that you could provide? I use anything I can find : brown wrapping paper, posters... Glossy paper is surprisingly resistant and I can use the covers several times. I just take it off the book I've finished reading and slip it unto...

I absolutely loved that one. It just got better and better and captivated me till the last page. It remains one of my all time favourites. I then read " the moonstone" which is considered his best novel and was a little disappointed by the ending. I liked "Armadale" better. I've read most of his...

I used to read all kinds of books, including crime novels from time to time. However, lately, I have been in a mystery phase which, to my own surprise, appears to last. Each time I try to start another genre, I get bored with it after a few pages and pick up a mystery instead. I even went to the...

Everything by Nigel Barley is good

I didn't finish it. I usually enjoy historical novels and I liked the beginning, but soon got bored with the characters. I dragged on for about 400 Pages because everyone told me it was worth hanging on. However, it didn't get better, so I gave up. Had it had 600 Pages or so, I'd probably have...

I enjoy Janet Gleeson's novels ("the grenadillo box", "the serpent in the garden"). They are set in in 18th century England and always related to some form of art. They are murder mysteries, but I'd say the plot is secondary. It's more about the atmosphere and way of living, so they are quite...

Dicekns biography The Dickens biography is by Peter Ackroyd ( Vintage books). I had never heard of him before. Apparently, he has received awards both for his novels and biographies. This one shows thorough research and deep knowledge of Dickens' novels, which at times, puzzzles me a little...

Although I am very eager to read it, I keep postponing it because it is a biggie and therefore not easy to carry about. I thought I'd wait till I can spend some time at home which will be the case next week, as I'm off work and have nothing special planned . I'll keep you posted.

I love Dickens. His characters always are delightfull and you cannot help feeling even for the nasty ones. So far, I only had to give up on "Bleak House" which was too dense , especially as I didn't understand the East End slang. I still have some of his major works like David Copperfield and...

I read "an instance of the fingerpost" but didn't enjoy it at all. I would have given up had not some of my friends insisted it was great and was worth hanging on. Took me 4 Months to finish it although I usually like historical mysteries.

Fannie Flagg

I agree. Some friends of mine were a short of money and couldn't buy many presents, so they made gift coupons for their children . One would allow them to stay up later, another give permission to watch the TV programme they wanted and so on... I thought that was a sweet idea. Now, of course...

I used to give my books to the local library until they wouldn't accept them any longer because they were running out of space. Now, I sell those that are still in good condition on Amazon. They don't sell too badly. Those I don't sell online, I bring to a second-hand bookstore. They only give a...

I recently read a mystery taking place in victorian London and thought how much easier it would be for the detective to find the robber if he'd be able to search a database for fingerprints, but then, what would be the point of writing 250 more pages ? I think all the fun lies in the fact that...