dryad
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Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 243
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Books – was I a deprived child?!
From an early age I was given books and encouraged to use libraries. However, no one at home or at school suggested that I read The Chronicles of Narnia by C S Lewis. Now I feel I missed out! On Boxing Day I happened to see the TV film, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – I was entranced!
Since then I have read the book and I plan to read the other six Narnia Chronicles in the New Year. The style of C S Lewis’s writing is very engaging; I felt that the story was written just for me. And what a story! It has magic, mystery and message – the mmm factor which makes a book truly special.
I think we all need some magic in our lives. Joining the w & h forum in February has certainly opened a whole new world for me! I want to say a big thank you to the forumers who have taken the time to view my posts on the Book Club Forum, to add replies and to send me private messages.
For 2009 I wish every lovely forumer health, happiness, peace . . . and magic!
Edited by dryad (31/12/2008 13:12)
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Jenniferpl
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Reged: 15/04/2008
Posts: 914
Loc: South East London
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Hi Dryad
I never got along with the Chronicals of Narnia, But then my Dad's fave book was the lord of the rings - the big edition with all 3 books in it and he read it to us at least once a year as far back as I can remember and I read it myself as soon as I was able, so I guess it became the benchmark by which all else was judged. I always had loads of books ranging from the famous five to Biggles and beyond! But Lord of the Rings will always be my fave. It does mean that I am completely unable to read chic lit - when you are raised on boys own adventures it's a bit hard to swallow! I hope you have a very happy new year to
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 Jennifer
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 243
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Thanks, Jennifer,
There is a note at the front of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe which says C S Lewis and J R R Tolkien were part of the Inklings, an informal writers' club which met at a local pub to discuss story ideas. Perhaps you know that already!
I have enjoyed reading J R R Tolkien too - the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I think these books also have the mmm factor! I wonder if you enjoy J K Rowling - I had some books for Christmas including The Tales of Beedle the Bard.
So many books to read and only 4 more days holiday!
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Jenniferpl
member
Reged: 15/04/2008
Posts: 914
Loc: South East London
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Hi dryad
I loved all the Harry Potter series, I thought that they got better each time. I also enjoyed the Twilight series. I do like a bit of magic and mystery in my books - maybe I'm a bit juvinile! OH bought beadle the |Bard, but I haven't had a chance to read it yet, i'm reading no time for goodbye at the moment which is the first book for our new bookclub, it's quite an interesting mystery.
any way, hope you have a lovely evening and a very happy new year
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Jennifer
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Ginnie
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Reged: 24/06/2008
Posts: 1063
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Hi Dryad
I have always loved reading but like you wasn't introduced to CS Lewis but I made sure my grandson was.
My maternal grandma used to buy me books (some ordered from a newspaper and I have one of these still in it's cardboard box)
she also bought me Milly, Molly, Mandy and a lovely book called Donkeys Glory. I still have these.
I have enjoyed the book club so much and am looking forward to more reading with you all in 2009
Happy New Year to you all
Ginnie
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 243
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Hi Ginnie,
What an interesting collection you have! Sadly, the books of my childhood have disappeared. I enjoyed reading Enid Blyton and I sometimes wonder what happened to my copy of Little Noddy and the Magic Rubber - that was my favourite!
Happy reading for 2009!
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feathers
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Reged: 20/05/2007
Posts: 563
Loc: Tyneside
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I was brought up on Noddy, then the classics - Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights etc - and only read CS Lewis, Lewis Carroll, Tolkein etc as an adult.
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billie
member
Reged: 21/11/2007
Posts: 149
Loc: Derbyshire
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Hi Girls
Happy New Year to you all. I'm also looking forward to all the posts and recommendations this year.
Dryad - I didn't watch Narnia (and no I'm sure you weren.t a deprived child) but might, if I get chance or the time get it from the library to read, the trouble is my book list gets ever longer and I can't read fast enough. I've also been writing down the recommendations from the classic list that people have posted.
Ginnie - I loved Milly Molly Mandy as a child and have bought quite a few this year and have even read some of them to the children at school, the only thing is I have to read them first and make sure I edit them for things like Billy Blunt who used to often carry a penknife in his pocket etc.
(Oh how the world has changed) Loved Enid Blyton as well.
Feathers and Jenniferpl -I have read Lord of the Rings (which I enjoyed as a teenager) and the first of the Harry Potter stories which I enjoyed (would have liked to have read them as a child) Happy Reading everyone Billie 
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 243
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Hi feathers,
I read Lewis Carroll when I was a child; Alice in Wonderland gave me nightmares! I think I should have saved that book for later!
Edited by dryad (01/01/2009 08:33)
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 243
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Good morning, billie!
I understand what you mean about the book list getting longer. At present I am reading three books - I only do this when on holiday!
In case you are interested, these books are: The Magician's Nephew - C S Lewis; Portobello - Ruth Rendell; Pompeii - Mary Beard.
Happy reading for 2009!
Edited by dryad (01/01/2009 08:46)
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Ginnie
member
Reged: 24/06/2008
Posts: 1063
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Hi Girls now it's 2009 and da whole year's reading ahead.
Billie I've never even considered the problems of Billy Blunt in this age. Surely Little friend Susan doesn't pose any problems.
Best wishes to all
Ginnie
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billie
member
Reged: 21/11/2007
Posts: 149
Loc: Derbyshire
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Just thought I'd look in for 2 mins I like the idea of having three books on the go Dryad I'm going to give it a go. One of the books that I've had for Christmas is Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain. I recently watched the programme with Jo Brand talking about Vera's life and as she is local I'm really keen to read it but I think now after reading posts it might be quite nice to have one of the lighter novels on the go at the same time or possibly a thriller as well. Will let you know how I go on. Not read any of the three you've mentioned Dryad.
Ginnie - You'll be glad to know Little friend Susan never causes me any problems.
Catch you later girls Billie
PS Meant to tell you Dryad I recommended that my friend bought The Guernsey Literacy Society for her Mum as she was from Guernsey and was evacuated to England during the war, it was a huge success and is now being passed round the family.
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 243
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Hi billie,
I hope having three books on the go works for you. The combination you suggest works for me: C S Lewis's Narnia Chronicles provide light reading, Ruth Rendell's Portobello is a thriller (a page turner too) while Mary Beard's Pompeii, a history book, needs all my concentration!
I am pleased to hear that your friend (and her family!) are enjoying Mary Ann Shaffer's book about Guernsey - the power of the novel!
Edited by dryad (01/01/2009 21:24)
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nannyconnie
member
Reged: 05/03/2008
Posts: 667
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Hello Ladies,a little late I know but Happy New Year to you all.Looking forward to a new years reading matter.
I was interested to read all your comments above and have to say I only read the Narnia stories much later wnen I read them to my children.(Yes and we all loved them).Not a Harry Potter fan and didnt even get to finish Lord of the Rings(much to my shame!!!!)
However I do often have three books on the go(one in the car,one by the bed and one in the lounge)
And Billie,I loved Milly Molly Mandy as a child,and as a mum and now as a nanny too.
I have really missed you all and its good to be back.
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Jenniferpl
member
Reged: 15/04/2008
Posts: 914
Loc: South East London
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Hi Nanneconnie
I have an alarming image of you driving along with a book proped on your steering wheel - I know that's not the case but, it's the vision i have!
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Jennifer
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 243
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Hi nannyconnie - good to hear from you!
The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder is yet another story which combines magic, mystery and message. I really enjoyed this book so thank you for your recommendation!
Edited by dryad (07/01/2009 07:29)
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billie
member
Reged: 21/11/2007
Posts: 149
Loc: Derbyshire
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Hi nannieconnie
I 'm so glad you loved Milly Molly Mandy, good to hear from you again. I didn't get around to reading The CHristmas Mystery as I sent it as a present for my daughter but will save it for later this year.Billie
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 243
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Hi everyone - hope you are keeping warm!
Now I have another reason for thinking I was a deprived child. Would someone please tell me about Milly Molly Mandy - another gap in my childhood reading!
Edited by dryad (10/01/2009 19:33)
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lizalou
member
Reged: 01/02/2008
Posts: 675
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Dryad
Go and buy Milly Molly Mandy right now (Amazon?) The best books ever!
Written about 1920,s my mum's era. But MMM lived in a tiny village,so happy with Best Friend Susan and all her relatives (nothing actually happens apart from the appearance of the odd motor-car!)
But the best thing is the map at the beginning of the books so you can see how she walks to school or to visit Billy Blunt.
My mum read them to me, I read them to my children and I hope they loved them enough to contonue the tradition.
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billie
member
Reged: 21/11/2007
Posts: 149
Loc: Derbyshire
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Hi Dryad
Have to agree give MMM a try and let us know what you think. I keep buying myself first editions not because they will probably be worth a great deal but just like having the original books to read from (sets the atmosphere if you know what I mean) Also you never know I might get a grandchild one day. Billie
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 243
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Thanks, lizalou and billie!
I like the sound of Milly Molly Mandy - I love reading books written in a different era. Amazon, here I come!
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Ginnie
member
Reged: 24/06/2008
Posts: 1063
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Gosh didn't realise my mention of MMM would arouse such interest.
My grandma bought mine in 1950s and I loved her adventures with Little Friend susan and billy Blunt. I read the stories to my two Ds.
Her full name was Millicent Margaret Amanda and I remember I used to think how lovely it must be to have such a wonderful name.
My copy is one of my treasured possessions.
Ginnie
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 243
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Thanks to you too, Ginnie!
I envy anyone who has a first edition. I have just ordered from Amazon The Big Milly Molly Mandy Storybook 'a special anniversary collection to celebrate 75 years of a much-loved classic character'.
PS
In case any of you think I am losing the plot, I shall also be reading The Birthday Present by Barbara Vine - a very ADULT novel!
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billie
member
Reged: 21/11/2007
Posts: 149
Loc: Derbyshire
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Hi Dryad
If you are losing the plot we're all losing it with you! I've just finished "The Little Princess" by Francess Hodgson Burnett another children's classic and throughly enjoyed it. Billie
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 243
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The Big Milly Molly Mandy Storybook has arrived from Amazon! This 75th anniversary edition is beautiful - big maps, glossy pages and coloured illustrations. Now I can understand why Milly Molly Mandy became such a firm favourite with children. Reading the stories as an adult, I felt nostalgic for the simple pleasures of childhood: an errand at the local shop, helping in the garden, a trip to the seaside, sledging in the snow, a new dress for a party. I could go on and on! Thanks again for the recommendation!
Edited by dryad (16/01/2009 17:15)
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billie
member
Reged: 21/11/2007
Posts: 149
Loc: Derbyshire
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Soooooo! glad you've enjoyed reaing MMM Dryad. Please try Daddy long Legs by Jean Webster if you get the chance. Anyone else read this book. I have to say it is one of my absolute favourites. It's written in letter form so very easy to read. Billie
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bevvywevvy
member
Reged: 20/10/2008
Posts: 540
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Hi Dryad,
Have just responded to your post about Twighlight and came on here to find something else to respond to. I loved The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as a child. I remember a teacher reading it to us in primary school. i found myself completely caught up in the magic and particularly loved the idea of walking through a wardrobe full of fur coats and out into a snow filled world. The image of Lucy, stood underneath the lamp is one of my favourites from childhood.
To Billie,
Many years ago 'Testament of Youth' was on the TV as a serial. Again I found myself so caught up in the story that I went out and bought the book. It sits on my bookshelf now still unfinished. I managed to get about two thirds of the way through but was so saddened by everything that i ended up in tears more often than not. In the end I had to stop reading it. I was very young and impressionable, so maybe it is time to try it again through my much more mature eyes?
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Jenniferpl
member
Reged: 15/04/2008
Posts: 914
Loc: South East London
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When I was a kid I read I am david, it was the first book that made me cry, made me laugh - it was the first time that I realised that as well as being entertaining that some books had a powerfull message, I forgot all about it until I saw it next to the boy in the striped pyjamas in waterstones, I must buy a copy and re read it, I wonder if it will move me as much 30 years later
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Jennifer
Edited by Jenniferpl (05/02/2009 13:32)
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