Primary Teacher Resource Centre - Forum

smallholder · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 7356

Well, I finished The Unfortunates by Laurie Graham. In the end, for me, the constant irony of narrators voice set against what was happening in the world at the time ( i.e WW2 and the holocaust) and the 'cutting wit' of the her voice became too much. It was a clever piece of writing by the author but I like people with a bit more generosity of spirit and compassion towards others!

greyengine · Joined: 27 Oct 2008 Posts: 1761

Still reading 'The Constant Princess' but have also started 'The Whole Day Through' by Patrick Gale which I think I'm going to enjoy. I've read a couple of his other books too. Very character focused - not much happens in some ways, but so much going on under the surface.

magpie nic · Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 7483 Location: Tyneside

I'm reading Notes from an Exhibition by Patrick Gale and really enjoying it, so will look out for that one and others Greyengine. It is the first one of his I had read.

smallholder · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 7356

I've got Notes from an Exhibition in my 'to read pile', I'll read it next after I have finished Dear Fatty - Dawn French.

Sniggle · Joined: 25 Apr 2009 Posts: 747 Location: Essex

It's on my 'to be read' pile too. Perhaps I'll read it next. I'll wait and see what you think when you've finished.
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Is taking one day at a time ... again

Chilli Queen · Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Posts: 452 Location: Lancashire

Just finished reading Life of Pi by Yann Martell. OH thought it was rubbish but I really enjoyed it although I'm not sure why! It certainly was strange.

smallholder · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 7356

I preferred the first half of Life of Pi to the second half, but overall I enjoyed it.

Chilli Queen · Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Posts: 452 Location: Lancashire

It does get a bit slow in the boat. I've just started reading a collection of short stories by Yann Martell - 'The Facts Behind the Helsinki Rocamatios'.

Sniggle · Joined: 25 Apr 2009 Posts: 747 Location: Essex

I couldn't get on with The Life of Pi at all. Crying or Very sad

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Is taking one day at a time ... again

brummie · Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2009 5:57 pm Post subject:

No, nor me sniggle, tried really hard but just couldn't get through it.
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Boo!

Conker · Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2009 7:26 pm Post subject:

Just finished A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute that I read when I was doing my O levels way back in 1987. Its based on a true story and part of it is set in Malaya in the 1930s, where a group of women and children were forced to walk through Malaya to find a Japanese prisoner of war camp that doesnt exist. I remembered enjoying the story but couldn't remember much till I picked it up again. Even so, the end was a complete revelation (I wonder if I was off school and missed it). I have thoroughly enjoyed re-reading it and am on the lookout for others by him.
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I'm not mad; I just get these headaches...

I can't face this job for another 22 years.

smallholder · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 7356

I have never read the book Conker. I have seen the film a number of times, but would like to read it.

Conker · Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:39 pm Post subject:

SH, pm me your address and I will send you mine. I love to share books with good homes. Didn't know there was a film! Might have to search that one out.
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I'm not mad; I just get these headaches...

I can't face this job for another 22 years.

smallholder · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 7356

Conker that's so kind of you and I really appreciate the gesture. And I know you are going to think me really stand offish now, but I don't really want to share my address. Sorry. But thanks again. x

Conker · Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2009 10:14 pm Post subject:

Nope that's absolutely fine. No problems! Smile

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I'm not mad; I just get these headaches...

I can't face this job for another 22 years.

smallholder · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 7356

Phew!

The film version I know is from 1956, starring Virginia McKenna and Peter Finch. I think it won some awards. There are some extracts on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za-uvuQSHF0

greyengine · Joined: 27 Oct 2008 Posts: 1761

I read lots of Nevil Shute when I was younger - that's brought back lots of memories. 'On the beach' is another of his well worth reading.

magpie nic · Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 7483 Location: Tyneside

I finished Notes form an Exhibition and would reccommend it. I found it a bit disjointed, but enjoyed it nevertheless. Next on my reading pile is A Winter in Madrid by CJ Sansom, like other CJ Sansom books but not sure this is my thing at all, but will give it a try!

smallholder · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 7356

Magpie, you have the same as my to be read pile! Winter in Madrid is on that too as well as Notes from an Exhibition. Apparently the Samson one is nothing like his others.

Sniggle · Joined: 25 Apr 2009 Posts: 747 Location: Essex

Winter in Madrid is on my pile too!!! I've not read any of his others though.
Glad you enjoyed Notes from an Exhibition. I might read it next.
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Is taking one day at a time ... again