Retro Reads discussion

Thanks, Carol, on both fronts!

#1 Book #11
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe I enjoyed this even though I found it a bit uneven & felt the ending could have been structured a little better. Finished 19/09. 4★

#5 with book #7

Tryst
4 stars
I had read this several times as a young teen and loved it. It was very interesting to read it again, some 60 years on from my first read. I still enjoyed it, but for different reasons.

Review to come, when I get my thoughts sorted out.

#22 Lynnie

I'm on board at last with #1 Death in the Andamans

I've read this before, back in the 80s and enjoyed reading it again. I think M.M. Kaye's descriptions of the settings are so vivid and the mystery was good too.

#22 Lynnie

Oh, I've just realised that I've read two in August - not realising they were in the Pool !!

#2 The Woods in Winter
I loved this book and gave it 5 stars. It set me off on reading more Stella Gibbons.

#3 They Came to Baghdad
I've read this many times, it's a real comfort read, fun and entertaining.

Added your books, Barb & Lynnie!

Lynnie wrote: "#22 Lynnie

I'm on board at last with #1 Death in the Andamans

I've read this before, back in the 80s and enjoyed reading it again. I think M.M. Kaye's descriptions of the settings ar..."

I enjoyed this one, it was my first time, but it was very exotic and escapist!

Lynnie wrote: "#22 Lynnie

Oh, I've just realised that I've read two in August - not realising they were in the Pool !!

#2 The Woods in Winter
I loved this book and gave it 5 stars. It set me off ..."
“Baghdad” was a fun adventure, and everyone seems to have enjoyed Woods, I’d like to read that one - I’ve enjoyed other books by Stella Gibbons.

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "Added your books, Barb & Lynnie!"

Thank you!

Susan in NC wrote: "Lynnie wrote: "#22 Lynnie

Oh, I've just realised that I've read two in August - not realising they were in the Pool !!

#2 The Woods in Winter
I loved this book and gave it 5 stars...."

I had only ever read Cold Comfort before but Woods was a wonderful surprise, I love SG's writing.

#20 Tania
Following Lynnie's example, I looked back over the pool and found I had read Five Windows as well this year. I completed it on 27/01 and gave it 4*s, but I hadn't joined the book pool at that time, so I don't know if it counts 😀. No worries if it doesn't. I just like having the impetus to get to some of these books.

Tania wrote: "#20 Tania
Following Lynnie's example, I looked back over the pool and found I had read Five Windows as well this year. I completed it on 27/01 and gave it 4*s, but I hadn't joined t..."

Oh, my, this is so true - so many great books out there, but a lot more stinkers - this book pool helped me pay more attention to the good stuff I wanted to enjoy, less inclined to waste time on a book that was just “meh”.

I have found Goodreads in general (& my friends on Goodreads in particular) have helped me avoid some really bad books, so my average book rating on Goodreads has gone up quite a bit!

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "I have found Goodreads in general (& my friends on Goodreads in particular) have helped me avoid some really bad books, so my average book rating on Goodreads has gone up quite a bit!"

Same!

My experience was the same as yours, Lynnie—I started Cold Comfort Farm several times and couldn’t get into it, but I’ve loved other books by Stella Gibbons including The Woods in Winter.

Tania wrote: "#20 Tania
Following Lynnie's example, I looked back over the pool and found I had read Five Windows as well this year. I completed it on 27/01 and gave it 4*s, but I hadn't joined t..."

Sorry not to get back to this before Tania!
Personally I'm fine with this & will add your book unless other members strongly object. :)

That's alright Carol, I don't mind either way. I still plan to get to more of the books but the year is racing ahead.

Abigail wrote: "My experience was the same as yours, Lynnie—I started Cold Comfort Farm several times and couldn’t get into it, but I’ve loved other books by Stella Gibbons including The Woods in Winter."
I have always meant to read Cold Comfort Farm but never gotten around to it. maybe I'll try The Woods in Winter.

I just started The Woods in Winter the other day waiting at an appointment; intrigued by the main character, and all the positive reviews in the group! I have some other group reads to get to, definitely want to get to more Book Pool entries (before it’s time to choose my 2023 entries! ;) )

Tania wrote: "That's alright Carol, I don't mind either way. I still plan to get to more of the books but the year is racing ahead."

Hi Tania

I had to ponder this! I have added your book as this is just meant to be a fun challenge - nothing too serious!

Thank you Carol.

Today I read Mrs Harris goes to Paris, which was wonderful. I have a few books to finish of and then I'll start on Mrs Harris goes to New York. I'll update when I get to it.

Hope I don’t screw this up, it’s been awhile!

#3, book #7 The Woods in Winter by Stella Gibbons, finished October 8

4 stars, peaceful, poignant, very interesting characters, I liked some of the characters and their storylines more than others, but a delightful read. Ivy was very unique!

Ivy is surely that. And she pops off the page!

Abigail wrote: "Ivy is surely that. And she pops off the page!"

Definitely, she dominated every scene she was in.

Susan in NC wrote: "Hope I don’t screw this up, it’s been awhile!

#3, book #7 The Woods in Winter by Stella Gibbons, finished October 8

4 stars, peaceful, poignant, very interesting ch..."

Added your latest, Susan!

Thanks, Carol!

#8
Book #4 Village School / Miss Read
3 stars

Working in the library I would shelve this, and other books in the series, frequently and always said I'd read them one day. Well, that day finally arrived!
I was surprised just how much it reminded me of my own school days, even though I was at the other side of the world. The sense of community in the school, fulfilling not just educational needs (the three Rs), but also social needs of children and families. This was so much like my own junior (primary) schooling that many memories, good and bad, were brought to mind.
A nice, comfortable, reminiscent read.

#3

Book #8, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Anita Loos, finished October 11

4 stars for this funny, satirical, quick read (or listen) about two gold-digging flappers in New York and Europe. Very entertaining listen!

Added both your books, Lesley & Susan!

Thank you , Carol!

#8 - Book #5

The Woods in Winter / Stella Gibbons
Finished October 21
4 stars
Ivy Gower, is a somewhat curmudgeonly widow, lives her life on her own terms and not giving a care to what others think. She inherits a cottage in the country she is happiest living there in solitude with nature and the animals, and the little boy who ‘found’ her, and whom Ivy came to care about.
I just loved Ivy and her commitment to living her life how she wanted it despite others opinions.

I have to confess I’ve never read any of Stella Gibbons works, although I settled down many a time to read Cold Comfort Farm without ever finishing. For some reason I just couldn’t get into that book, but have very much enjoyed the movie and TV productions. But this book took me in right from the start, keeping me immersed in Ivy’s life to the last page.

I shall certainly be looking out other books by this author.

Lesley wrote: "#8 - Book #5

The Woods in Winter / Stella Gibbons
Finished October 21
4 stars
Ivy Gower, is a somewhat curmudgeonly widow, lives her life on her own terms and not givi..."

Added to the count for you, Lesley

I am #2 on the list.

Checking in with book #10 read, The Soul of Kindness by Elizabeth Taylor. She’s a keen-eyed writer but I found this book pretty dreary, much as I find Barbara Pym’s books dreary. Three stars for me, reviewed here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

So many people have told me I must read Elizabeth Taylor’s novels that I am willing to give her another chance. Can anyone in the group recommend one that’s more cheerful?

Abigail wrote: "I am #2 on the list.

Checking in with book #10 read, The Soul of Kindness by Elizabeth Taylor. She’s a keen-eyed writer but I found this book pretty dreary, much as I find Barbara P..."

Updated your total, Abigail.

I've never read Ms Taylor but I do own A Wreath of Roses - which isn't supposed to be one of her best works.

Thanks for updating, Carol!

& this could be my final read for the Book Pool for this year.

#1 On the Beach A very thought provoking read given the mad behaviour of some world leaders. 5★ Finished 28/10

And please remember everyone - the Book Pool finishes on the 30th of November! :)

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "And please remember everyone - the Book Pool finishes on the 30th of November! :)"

Oh, thanks, Carol! I wasn’t aware, good to know!

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "& this could be my final read for the Book Pool for this year.

#1 On the Beach A very thought provoking read given the mad behaviour of some world leaders. 5★ Finished 28/10"

You’re a braver woman than I- with all the insanity, I reach for escapism and humor, that’s why I read Gentlemen Prefer Blondes! ;)

I read & enjoyed Gentlemen Prefer Blondes many years ago. :)

On the Beach wasn't my usual sort of read & enjoyed would be the wrong word but I found it very thought provoking - especially given the time it was written (1957.)

I've been wanting to read Gentlemen Prefere Blondes. Too many books and not enough time.

#2 here, with book #11: The Stone of Chastity by Margery Sharp. I gave it four stars for wit and lighthearted fun, despite some discomfort about stereotyping. Reviewed here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Susan in NC wrote: "Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "And please remember everyone - the Book Pool finishes on the 30th of November! :)"

Oh, thanks, Carol! I wasn’t aware, good to know!"

No wonder! I didn't put this in the actual rules! (although in message #4 I do mention tallying up the books)

Will this impact anyone's reading? Is anyone not OK with finishing on the 30th of November?

Abigail wrote: "#2 here, with book #11: The Stone of Chastity by Margery Sharp. I gave it four stars for wit and lighthearted fun, despite some discomfort about stereotyping. Reviewed here: https:/..."

Added to your total Abigail!

Thanks! Trying to keep up with you.

Abigail wrote: "Thanks! Trying to keep up with you."

Ha! I have to say that book looks good! & I do still have some money on an Amazon gift voucher. Hmmm...

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "And please remember everyone - the Book Pool finishes on the 30th of November! :)"

Oh, thanks, Carol! I wasn’t aware, good to know!"

No wonder! ..."

Lol! Oh, well, it’s the 29th of October today, so we’ve got a month to finish up what we want to read. That’s fair! ;)

Carol--I've no problem with that end date. There was never a chance that I would top the 'most books read' list. I maybe be able to cram in one or two more before 30 Nov.
I've had fun reading everyone's reviews and I've added a whole bunch of books to my TBR--so this has been a winner for me.

Barb in Maryland wrote: "Carol--I've no problem with that end date. There was never a chance that I would top the 'most books read' list. I maybe be able to cram in one or two more before 30 Nov.
I've had fun reading every..."

Same here!

#2, with book #12: An Episode of Sparrows by Rumer Godden. Five stars from me, reviewed here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....