Mary I'm going to work on the asumption of one per chapter reward so that would be at least 1,000,000 of them if I read all the books in my possession...I'm going to die a happy bunny...

My stomach jumped then, you know when you go over one of those high bumps in the road and land where you least expect it...welcome page six!

Hey André, I'm just emerging from the delirium induced by the prospect of 1,000,000 Lindt Balls.....I may never be the same!!!

Oh Mary do you feel all wobbly sweetheart?

I've just finished reading The Boy in the Striped Pyjama's...so so sad really, a simply told heartwrenching story. The divide between a childs understanding and the reality of war.

Oh yes, André, but in a most delightful way....
Did you see the movie? If so, how does it compare?

No I haven't Mary but I have it (xmas pressie). I am looking forward to watching it to see how it compares.

Hey André, do you really mean that you have an unused xmas pressie from last year? or an early one for this year?

Unused from last year Mary...along with three others...I'm saving them for chocolate treats and dark night moments. Splash of wine added too...

but, but, but....IT'S AUGUST!!!!!!!

I know Mary...I'm just ticking on in 2nd gear and I need a little extra engine oil to get me through the mounds of books and dvds I have stacked in gay abandon around every floor surface.

Has anyone read any of William Boyd's novels? I've just watched an interview by Mark Lawson with him. He was softly-spoken, incisive and an extremely intelligent man. I enjoyed his outlook on life immensely and the interviewer was also a joy to listen to.

I've read Restless...loved it. Have also seen the movie Mr Johston which I enjoyed.

Johnston!

Thanks Mary, I will see if I can get a copy.

Went to see an exhibition today (well I've been three times already but...). Lawrie Williamson, I really like his artwork. The one I liked particulary came with a whopping price tag, over £8,000, so for now I will just keep visiting the gallery to stand and admire his work.
http://www.lawriewilliamson.com/

Hey André, love his comment! Painting ain't bad either....

Anyone read any good books lately? I've been reading a Canadian detective series by Louise Penny. Her detective Armand Gamache investigates in deepest Quebec. Lovely stories, good standard of detecting, interesting locale and characters and a whiff of fantasy. Great for curling up in front of the fire when you need something light.

Mary, I've just got hold of a copy of The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford, which he called his "auk's egg". I'm really looking forward to delving into the pages.

Keep me informed André

Today I have been listening to Alan Bennett's 'Talking Heads' on CD - A series of monologues about different characters and their lives. Graham Whittaker in 'A Chip in the Sugar'
is such a wonderful piece spoken by Bennett himself delivered in that inimitable voice. I'm not sure how it would translate in another Country but he delivers them with perfect timing.

Isn't Alan Bennett brill? My contribution to bookclub this month was his latest offering, A Life Like Other People's - haven't read it as somebody from the group filched it before i could say "wha?" also bought Hilary mantel's Wolf Hall (booker prize), I'm hoping I'll get time to read it More...

PIAF is on again, and I'm ashamed to say I've seen very little. I took my son who is a journalism student to a talk by David Finkel. He is a journalist who was embedded with the US Marines in Baghdad and he was paired with an Australian woman who went to Baghdad as a Human Shield. It was an interesting match.

The Paperbark Shoe by Goldie Goldbloom well worth reading.

I do admire Alan Bennett, I think he may prove to be a worthy dinner guest at any table. I would be interested to see who, 'you' would have at your dinner table and why. I know I could never have Will Self...the man would have me drowing him in a nice soup tureen. I have a wicked side I know.

Gen.

Does anyone remember an old movie, I think it was called The Dinner Party, wherein a group of housemates invited controversial guests to dinner, and then decided during the dinner conversation if the guest deserved to get the poisoned wine or not? Genevieve could invite Will Self, I would invite...mmm have to think about that.....

Rupert Murdoch for giving us Fox News? The programmer from the ABC who is not broadcasting The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency? The programmer from the ABC (probably the same one)who broadcast the new Dr Who in the middle of repeating the old one?

Mary, do you think it has the making of a murder mystery - a 'whodunnit on sudoku' dinner party? Second thoughts if I put Will Self in the pot there would be no stock worth having.

Definitely Genevieve, I will bring the poisoned wine...a nice red, I think....

Just read A Thousand Cuts by Simon Lelic, a sad but relevant take on the insidious effects of bullying. Here's hoping it's widely read to spread the word.