Member: judyb65

Hello :-)

posted by kb.marsh at 3:04 am (EST) on Nov 10, 2008

Hi, I'm really glad to hear you're enjoying Unspoken. I have to say, I personally preferred Blood Ties. :)

posted by michelle_bcf at 3:08 pm (EST) on Oct 21, 2008

thanks Judy! She certainly asked the right person for a recommendation!

posted by happyanddandy1 at 6:06 pm (EST) on Oct 1, 2008

Hello.

posted by Inver at 11:48 am (EST) on Aug 9, 2008

"What A Carve Up" was the first of his that I read. A marvellous incictment of Thatchers Britain, very funny too. How are yo enjoying this weather? Its sweltering in London.
Barry

posted by gidders at 12:44 pm (EST) on Jul 27, 2008

Hi again Judy. I too love Jonathan Coe. I think I have read all of his novels. My favourite is probably "The House Of Sleep", but I loved "The Rotters Club" too. How about you?
Barry

posted by gidders at 1:53 pm (EST) on Jul 26, 2008

Hello Judy. I was glad to see you enjoyed Jonathan Coe's "The rain Before It Falls" as much as I did!
Barry

posted by gidders at 12:18 pm (EST) on Jul 25, 2008

Hi JudyB. Lovely to get my first libarything comment. Thank you! I managed to finish 'The Mysteries of Glass' on Friday although it involved a guilty few minutes in the car reading the last two pages before I collected my daughters! It was a truly beautiful novel and I had the feeling afterwards of leaving a parallel world and feeling a little homesick. The setting and the characters kept popping into my head. I hope you enjoy it when you manage to read it.

posted by Heatherjane at 6:59 am (EST) on Jun 28, 2008

Just popping by the say hi! xx

posted by nici76 at 4:17 pm (EST) on Jun 22, 2008

Hi Judy

I've just discovered librarything and noticed that you had added Sue Gee's The Mysteries of Glass. I have just started reading it during my precious 25 minute train trip to work (at home I am kept busy with two wee girls)and think it is one of the most beautifully written novels I have read for ages.

cheers
Heather

posted by Heatherjane at 3:23 am (EST) on Jun 20, 2008

Just wandering around and saying hello to people. :)

posted by michelle_bcf at 2:05 pm (EST) on Apr 17, 2008

Hi Judy

comparing parts of 'Pippa Lee' to 'This Book Will Save Your Life' is exactly what I thought too! Interesting the next reviewer sheds some light on the writer.

posted by happyanddandy1 at 5:58 pm (EST) on Apr 11, 2008

lol! Sorry - I got her the 'Infinite Wisdom of Harriet Rose' - she started it last night. Recently she read 2 Meg Cabots 'size 12 isn't fat' or some such title which I picked out of the bargain bucket at Sainsburys and she really enjoyed them. The blurb on Harriet Rose looked like something she might read so fingers crossed!

posted by happyanddandy1 at 2:20 pm (EST) on Apr 4, 2008

Judy - would a 13 and a half year old enjoy this book? I just picked it up for Helen

thanks

Paula

posted by happyanddandy1 at 9:57 am (EST) on Apr 3, 2008

I see you also enjoyed Emily Barr's Out of My Depth. Would you recommend her other books?

posted by michelle_bcf at 5:02 pm (EST) on Feb 27, 2008

Hi Judy - I just noticed you were reading Sue Gee - I picked up that one last week as I thought it looked a good read - looking forward to hearing what you think

Paula

posted by happyanddandy1 at 3:16 pm (EST) on Feb 10, 2008

I am very, very, very jealous of your job:)

posted by The_Library_Nook at 3:32 pm (EST) on Jan 4, 2008

Hi JudyB,
I just linked to your shelf after reading your review of "Vanishing acts of Esme Lennox".
I just read the book and thoroughly enjoyed the read. I found it a well written story that was hard
to put down. I am fairly new here and still adding to my library. I just sent a friend invite to you as we have many similar book interests.

~Bonnie

posted by redladysbooks at 5:35 pm (EST) on Dec 31, 2007

Thanks for your note. I did read Dombey and son and my comment was:

4281 Dombey and Son, by Charles Dickens (read 2 Mar 2007) This appeared in 1848 and is vintage Dickens, 848 pages, and one must admit at times it is not too interesting, though the ending chapters held my interest, albeit predictable and long drawn out, with every loose end tied up in full--such a contrast to much of today's fiction. Dombey is a rich imperious businessman, who expects his son Paul to carry on the firm and has no regard for his daughter Florence--the typical so good butter wouldn't melt in her mouth heroine of the novel. Paul dies and Dombey marries Edith, and they do not get along, though Edith loves Florence. There are the usual characters with weird idiosyncrasies such as Captain Gills, Captain Cuttle, Mr. Toots, et al. I will not say the book was not worth reading though it is overly long. I have now read all the Dickens novels except Little Dorrit (1857), Our Mutual Friend (1865), and the unfinished Edwin Drood. I will probably read at least the first two, if I live long enough.

I will read Little Dorrit next, but when that will be remains to be seen.

posted by Schmerguls at 5:14 am (EST) on Nov 7, 2007

Hi

I've worked in libraries for about 6 years now, academic and specialist. I do really enjoy it, especially the feeling that you are making information accessible to people. What kind of library do you work in? Is it a public library? I've never worked in one but I use my local library all the time!

posted by saucyhp at 10:08 am (EST) on Oct 4, 2007

RE Cloud Atlas
I just read yr Review comments of the above & would advise you to stick with it! I found the Ewing stories probably the least engaging of the book.
Myself I'm at the opposite end of the book, just starting the last Ewing chapter.
ATB
Nichola

posted by wonderlake at 8:30 am (EST) on Sep 18, 2007

Glad to read that you enjoyed Black Swan Green - just about to get started.

posted by happyanddandy1 at 2:21 pm (EST) on Jul 26, 2007

Hi Judy! Thanks for writing. I highly recommend Markus Zusak's novel I Am the Messenger. It was published as The Messenger in Australia, so it may be available under that title in the UK. It's the story of Ed Kennedy, a 19-year-old cab driver who averts a bank robbery. Soon after, he starts receiving mysterious instructions written on playing cards. The cards give him opportunities to meet and help others. As he does so, he becomes more sure of himself. It's a beautiful exploration of ethics, responsibility, and how we gain meaning by helping others. His novel Getting the Girl is also good, for it's about how a teenage boy discovers girls as individuals with emotions and feelings. But Markus admits that as it's one of his earlier books, it's not quite on a par with The Messenger and the Book Thief. Happy reading! Mary

posted by LieselMeminger at 11:27 am (EST) on Jul 7, 2007

Hi Judy! I am so glad you enjoyed The Book Thief. I agree that it shares common threads with Thousand Splendid Suns, such as how war tears countries and families apart. One reason I love The Book Thief so much is the originality that you noted. I recently met Markus Zusak at a library conference and he's just lovely--very modest and affable. Hapy Reading! Mary

posted by LieselMeminger at 11:10 pm (EST) on Jul 4, 2007

Dear Judy,

As promised, I'm reporting back after reading The Earth. Although it's linked to the Rougon-Macquart family through Jean Macquart's presence (I reckon he must be the uncle of Etienne from Germinal), it's mostly about a family of peasant farmers, and a selfish, greedy lot they are too. It's a tough read in the sense that their lives are often mean and squalid, but a worthwhile one. There is some political talk in the local bar and also references to the forthcoming Franco-Prussian War, foreshadowing, I suppose, the events in The Downfall, which would be the next one I have in the series.

Thanks for motivating me to go back to these books. Are you still reading Zola or have you moved on to something else?

Jane

posted by Clockpelter at 6:23 am (EST) on Jul 1, 2007

Hi Judy, thanks for your comment about a Thousand Splendid Suns! I agree that we are so lucky to live in countries that are not wracked by war, and Hosseini's books help me not to take our comfort for granted. Take care and please feel free to chat anytime. Regards, Mary

posted by LieselMeminger at 3:18 pm (EST) on Jun 30, 2007

Hi Judy - thought I'd left a message here but now see I haven't! - Happyanddandy

posted by happyanddandy1 at 7:34 am (EST) on May 24, 2007

Hi Judy. Have just added you to my watchlist as well :)

posted by poppy1 at 5:32 am (EST) on May 16, 2007

Waving hello... :)

posted by michelle_bcf at 1:41 pm (EST) on May 10, 2007

Hi Judy
Just playing really!
Louiseog

posted by louiseog at 3:45 pm (EST) on May 6, 2007

Hi Judy!

After looking at your page, I have decided to do my own! Thanks for introducing me to here!

Nici xx

posted by nici76 at 3:17 pm (EST) on May 6, 2007

Welcome to Books Compared. I'm another Dickens fan - I loved Bleak House, and your review of Dombey & Son persuades me this is another one I must read. Hope you'll find time between jobs and teenagers to contribute a comparison review - we could use a few more short and sweet ones!

posted by margad at 3:57 pm (EST) on Mar 31, 2007

Looking through them, I 've actually read a couple more than I thought, so the next one will be The Earth. I've still got a few books ahead of it on the TBR pile, but I'll get back to you to let you know how I get on.

At the minute I'm about 600 pages into Don Quixote (with a good 300 left), and it's fairly slow going, although I'm determined not to abandon it, as it's a pleasant enough read.

posted by Clockpelter at 9:09 am (EST) on Mar 24, 2007

Hi Judy,

I came into the Rougon Macquart series through Germinal, which with Nana, remains one of my favourites. After that I read the first eight or nine more or less in order. I really enjoyed the early ones - I like the broad canvas peopled with characters from all levels of society. I don't think any one else really has the same 'social' sweep. I like Trollope too, for the same feeling that you are entering into a world of interconnected characters, where you come across old friends and enemies, but Trollope's characters are mostly from a certain class. The RM novels were also, for me, a way into French 19th century history (although I still get mixed up with the different empires and republics).

Ran out of steam a little with L'assomoir which I found irredeemably depressing, but maybe that was the point?

A couple of years ago, I began, but didn't finish, The Dream. That's it so far, but thanks to your message, I might just promote one of the unread novels (I don't have the whole series) to nearer the top of my TBR pile - any particular recommendation?. I'll have to reacquaint myselves with the characters though; I seem to think I have the family tree in one of the earlier novels, so I'll start with that.

Jane

posted by Clockpelter at 2:13 pm (EST) on Mar 19, 2007

We'll see you never know!!!

posted by mitchsz at 8:59 am (EST) on Mar 12, 2007

Just the one but you never know!! maybe I can convert you?

posted by mitchsz at 5:29 pm (EST) on Mar 10, 2007

I have The Interpretation of Murder waiting on my shelf! It definitely sounded like an interesting story, I will read it next. I am currently reading Tanglewreck by Jeanette Winterson, I like to keep changing genres!

posted by saucyhp at 4:57 am (EST) on Mar 7, 2007

Hi Judy. Yes I am following R&J, I started to read Semi-detached by Griff Rhys Jones but didn't find it that interesting! I still waiting for the others from the library though! Have you read any yet?

posted by saucyhp at 5:41 am (EST) on Mar 5, 2007

the Rougon-Macquart, yes they were delivered in order and I read them in order, apart from Germinal which I studied at university. Favourites? - I think it's easier to tell you the ones I didn't like so much, La fortune des Rougon, La Curée... They are very diverse in fact and all have their different moods and merits.

posted by overthemoon at 4:24 am (EST) on Mar 2, 2007

Hi Judy, yes we do, and also the Alexander McCall Smith, Jean Rhys, I Capture the Castle, etc. Isn't it interesting to see what books we have in common with others! I bought all the Zolas about 20 years ago, used to get one a month and read them right away.

posted by overthemoon at 8:56 am (EST) on Mar 1, 2007

Of course you can Judy, i will add you to my watch list too :D
Hayley ~XxX~

posted by DaddysGem at 11:43 am (EST) on Feb 11, 2007

Hi Judy. Glad you like the picture. I tried to do a link as in the forum siggy, but there was no way I could do it, so just had to do an ad! The problem was getting it big enough to read, but it does enlarge!
Susie xx

posted by Catkintails at 5:42 am (EST) on Feb 11, 2007

many thanks for your comment, judy. yes, you're definitely right about narayan and mccall-smith and their respect for life. i love this in paul auster's "the brooklyn follies" which also gave me the warm fuzzies, and also in some of steinbeck e.g. "cannery row", "sweet thursday"

the reviews? a useful reading record. most of them i usually post up on my blog too. i also review for a malaysian newspaper and am trying to get better at it (guardian or new york times standard!)

posted by bibliobibuli at 6:58 pm (EST) on Feb 8, 2007

Hi Judy. I will have to think about this, as it took me a bit of time and fiddling.
1) Download the pic you want to use for the link (I did mine avatar size via resizing on Photobicket)into sig box
2) copy librarything link.
3) insert your piccie into top sig box and highlight. While highlighter hit the add link button (think it looks like a ball and chain!!!)
4) preview, and add script if you want it, (e.g Judy's list)
5) Save, and it should come up. Any probs get back to me. Should really do one for BCF on here. Might try and sort that now.
Hope it works, if not, get back and I'll go through what I did by myself and get back to you.

Susie xx

posted by Catkintails at 12:49 pm (EST) on Feb 8, 2007

Certainly! This is becoming a home from home!! :) ...I'll be watching you too ;)

Jane xx

posted by princessponti at 12:50 pm (EST) on Feb 4, 2007

Hi Judy - you asked about the watch facility on my profile. If you go tosomeone's profile and would like to list them on your "watch" list (bascially, it's a "buddies" system), there's a bit up at the top-right-hand corner of their profile that has an add sign & says "add to you watch list". If you click on it, it will add that person to your watch list for you. If at some point in the future you decide to remove them, you go to the same place where it will now have a minus sign & says "remove from your watch list".

Hope that's of some help. :)

posted by Kell_Smurthwaite at 12:43 pm (EST) on Feb 4, 2007

Hiya Judy...Catkintails here, (otherwise known as PP or Susie). Hope it ok to add you to my watch list?
See you back on the board.xx

posted by Catkintails at 3:35 pm (EST) on Feb 3, 2007

I started reading them in the middle too. I haven't read Earth yet but it's on my TBR pile. I am reading the Gulag Archipelago right now and it's a huge set to get through but I am going to read The Earth this year for sure. Hopefully soon after I read the Gulag. I may take a break after Volume 1 and read it before I go to Volume 2 and 3 of the Gulag. The Earth is going to be great, I just know it :) Let me know when you finish it.

posted by BookAddict at 11:30 am (EST) on Feb 3, 2007

Hi there! It's so nice to meet another Zola fan :) I haven't read all of the books in the Rougon-Macquart series yet either. I have read some of them. I couldn't find several of them but I have just discovered that our public library has most of them so I guess I will borrow them. I do wish I could own them because they are so good and I know I will want to read them over and over. Every time I read one I swear that the next one I read can't be as good as this one but then when I read the next one I feel the same way about it! LOL
Please let me know when you read another Zola, I would love to read your review :)

Oh, welcome to Library Thing too!

posted by BookAddict at 12:51 am (EST) on Feb 3, 2007

Hiya, Judy - just thought I'd add you to my watch llist. :)
Kell.

posted by Kell_Smurthwaite at 5:34 pm (EST) on Feb 2, 2007