General Chat

I remember reading a book about Norse mythology in primary and that sometimes comes in useful at quizzes.

If you like Cranford there are several others by Mrs Gaskell too. They are particularly relevant too the industrial north.

DH Lawrence did himself a bit of a disservice with Lady Chatterley, People think of the dirty bits and never get to read his beautiful descriptive narratives.

I can't really recommend it to anybody else but I like to dip into William Shirer, The Rise and Fall of the Thir Reich. Heavy,horrible. I have read Meine Kampf and had I not kown what devastation came from it I would have rated it along with Monty Python

I read most of the Dickens books as a child, there wasn't much else around in those days. Also Jane Austen and the Brontes.
I have done, Hamlet, Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing The Crucibal, Canterbury Tales, and Streetcar Named Desire (Tennessee Williams) my favourite, for 'A' levels when I was in my early 50's
I've always got a D.H. Lawrence on the go. Well he is our local lad made good. Alot of what is in his books is still relavent around here, today.
I'd like to go through the Dickens books again.
Never did the Classics, eg Greek and Roman Gods, which is abit of a b****er when I am doing me crosswords.

Julia in Derbyshire

Sharron...I downloaded Cranford for free onto my Kindle..and I never did get round to watching the TV series ...so that's def on my list ! Thanks.

I've never read A Christmas Carol either so that's one I'll add too !!!! I guess it's easy to dismiss ones we think we know all about..but there's always more to every story in print.

I'm noting all suggestions down...and thanks to all...I'll let you know how I get on with Of Mice and Men in a couple of weeks lol x

I have never really read fiction very much but have read most of Steinbeck.Never did get into The Pearl or When the Moon is Down.

Did 1984 for A level and hated it but also did Cold Comfort Farm which I had alreary read several times as I love it and am, in fact,the daughter of Adam Lamsbreath I now realize.

Quite recently read Lorna Doone and realized just how political it is, as are Dickens novels (Stephen Blackpool's marriage for instance).

Dickens and Jane Austen can give a good insight into how your ancestors lived as can Flora Thompson.


Read Cranford, don't rely on the TV,and Lark Rise.They are better than screen adaptations.

The plan is to finish reading Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens, being one I know nothing about. I read several of his from choice once I'd left school, although I've forgotten most of the details. This one at least gets into the story fairly quickly, instead of 100 pages of description before you get anywhere!

The Steinbeck books are good, and easy to read. Cannery Row is based on Monterrey in California; they've got a sea-life aquarium there now in one to the old Canneries.

Like a number of people, I've read Of Mice and Men, although not at school. When I was working in one, a student had missed the lesson where they finished it, and had to read it to himself. Every one laughed when he exclaimed at the ending! :-)

Not really into the Austens or Brontes.

Morning:)

Cider with Rosie...by Laurie Lee
Hamlet.........................Shakespeare...did it for an A level:))
Canterbury Tales.......G Chaucer........ " " " "
Great Expectations is on my pc kindle.
The Hobbit (twice).......Tolkein
Lord of the rings.......... " "
Other Dickens but think of the names.....dohhh

have to have a think for others:)

jude :-)

Hi Muffy,

For the first time over Christmas, I read 'A Christmas Carol' by Dickens - you think you know the story but its great to read the original text.

Like Piers, I did 'Of Mice and Men' at school, I suppose it was OK really but being at school I was hard-wired to dislike it lol :-D

Matthew

I remember studying 'Of Mice and Men' at school and enjoyed it. Would also suggest another book by John Steinbeck - 'The Grapes of Wrath'.

Hope you enjoy 'Of Mice and Men', Muffy

:-)

I know exactly what you mean about 1984 Sheila..I once read that for a book group I was in and literally had to push myself through it..though it IS a fantastic book ...just hard going at times !!..

Have read most of Jane Austen too...and not enough Dickens lol.

I've never fancied Frankenstein..but I may have a rethink now x

I've read all of Jane Austen, most of Dickens, and some more modern classics. I have to say '1984' is my all-time favourite. Do not expect to be uplifted, it's very depressing :-D I also enjoyed Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' which is not a 'horror' story, but a very human one.

Which have you read...and which are you intending to read.? Any that you recommend?

My target this year is to read a Classic novel a month.

This months was Catcher In The Rye...by J D Salinger...which though dark, I thoroughly enjoyed.

My next will be Of Mice And Men by John Steinbeck.x