Member: kJ.

Good man Kieran!!! Many congratulations on getting through your exams! I'll bet you're already enjoying your freedom.

There was a smashing programme on BBC Radio 4 yesterday about Sparta, by the way... I think it's only available to listen to for the next six days, but I downloaded the broadcast (*nerd*), so if you want a copy later, I'm happy to send it to you.

Tom Holland's Rubicon is a work of supremely readable non-fiction - he tells you so much about the Roman Republic in such an entertaining way that it reads like a novel. Except that it's all true. A fantastically cool piece of popular history, if you ask me. After you've read it, you'll feel like a smug and happy expert on the subject (and you'll want to read more about it...).

Enough predictions. How's the summer reading going? Anything interesting? Tell a.m. to give you "Remainder" - it was great.

Enjoy the summer!
Carolyn, an incredibly envious northern European, stuck at the outset of winter.

posted by citizenkelly at 12:31 pm (EST) on Nov 20, 2009

Hi kj

Got any summer reading plans?

Amanda XXXXXXXX

posted by amandameale at 8:28 am (EST) on Oct 28, 2009

Thanks for the Connelly tips! I shall bombard my senior family member with a handful of them on my next trip home...

Ancient history fascinates me, though it's hard to say whether I prefer it to medieval or early modern history (can you tell what I studied at uni? A more useless subject you will not find, at least if you're planning to get a job afterwards, but - o - what a joy it is!). I've never been able to get 'into' the Egyptians as much as the Greeks and the Romans, but I often change my opinion depending on what fab books I've just read. Present obsession: Mesopotamia. I could wallow in the Gilgamesh and in clever Babylon for ages. What about you?

Have you ever read Tom Holland's Rubicon, by the way? The Roman Republic is a fun topic anyway, but his account just took the biscuit imo.

Sorry, shouldn't be keeping you from your studies! (are the exams soon? are you nervous?)

All the best,
Carolyn

posted by citizenkelly at 8:47 am (EST) on Oct 7, 2009

You have Orlando listed with Joseph Conrad as the author. Delete it and re-enter the info.
Your secret admirer.
M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

posted by amandameale at 12:41 pm (EST) on Oct 2, 2009

Hello, Hello

My gosh you've been a member since boxing day 2008!
Enjoyed your comments on Amanda's profile.
Are you sure you should be keeping Amanda below stairs!?
When you do see her give her a hug from me.

Hope your having fun here.

:-)

posted by KimB at 4:51 am (EST) on Aug 8, 2009

Uni probably will give you more opportunity to choose what you read, at least as far as you get to choose your courses. But think of it this way---being "forced" to read things has helped you figure out what you like and what you don't.

posted by laytonwoman3rd at 8:35 am (EST) on Jul 31, 2009

Meant to add that I think you might like this book. It's short and can be read in a day. The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil.

posted by gautherbelle at 12:46 am (EST) on Jul 29, 2009

K, I asked Z if she read the books and she said yes, and that she liked them but hasn't read the last two. She did not like the blurb on the last two. She only midly enjoys the tv show. I thought she really liked it but she says it bears only mild resemblance to books. She watches it because she says it's better than what else is on at the time.
I read the Plague when I was a girl and took it at face value. It wasn't until I finished that I read the preface and saw what it was really about. Also I was always fascinated by the Black Death and read everything I could find about it.
I see you have A Confederacy of Dunces. I liked it. I came upon it and bought it because I liked the title. Really strange and engaging.

posted by gautherbelle at 12:06 am (EST) on Jul 29, 2009

Hi friend!
Most of my books are in boxes, alas, scattered all over the house. However, I just cannot stop buying new ones (well, actually most of my books are used). Take a look at my son Joseph's library (his user name is Thespian). Right now he is in Italy, but when he comes back, sometime next week, I am sure he will be happy to get in touch with you.
Happy reading and please, when you see her, give a great hug to my dear Amandina, will you? Thanks!
:-))

posted by aluvalibri at 10:39 am (EST) on Jul 28, 2009

Hi Kieran - always nice to find another book addict in a home full of book addicts, I'm sure you will find many likeminded friends.

Yes, where is that Gormanghast fan? She'll find you soon I am sure.

I still haven't read my one 'Wheel of Time' book yet, but see we share 23 other very fine books.

I look forward to watching your library grow.

posted by Caroline_McElwee at 9:24 am (EST) on Jul 28, 2009