I love Sophie Hannah's work and posted about 'Hurting Distance' here http://patternings.typepad.com/patternings/2007/06/hurting-distanc.html I understand that there is a third novel in the series due out in February 2008 and a fourth being written.

I've just picked this up from the library, so will read it soon. My own journey through the longlist has begun with Nicola Barker's 'Darkmans' which is intriguing if not more.

I'll be very interested in what you think of O'Hagan's 'Be Near Me'. I thought it was excellent, if very chilling, and a friend of mine who is a catholic priest said the reality was spot-on. However, other people I know weren't so impressed. Perhaps the subject matter put them off.

I loved 'Mistress of the Art of Death', so I hope it loves up to its beginnings for you.

I had the pleasure of hearing Candi Miller talk about this book last October as she's a friend of a friend. I know how many years of hard work went into the makng of this book, so I know she'll be thrilled at how much you've enjoyed it.

This happened to a colleague of mine. One minute all well and the next he was taken from us at only 51. It took ages to stop looking for him or planning things to say when we next met. I'm really sorry.

I missed out on 'English Passengers' as well but I'll add this to the pile.

I seriously hope my ex-Latin teacher never manages to track me down. So low was her opinion of my abilities that if anyone else made a mistake in class she would admonish them with "That was a silly thing to say, look, even Ann is laughing." I would find a polite cup of tea nigh on impossible!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Last week was the first anniversary of my Mom's death, so mothers and their places in our lives have been much in my mind. Yesterday, a friend came round for coffee who has his 97 year old mother living with him. He is videoing her telling stories of her childhood in Western Ireland - the sort of life we find hard even to imagine these days. I know that in years to come, he is going to be so glad that he did this.

Having, in another life, worked for WHS, I could fill you in on some relevant background here, but would probably then get locked up, minus books, for a very long time, so I won't risk it. Let me just say that I'm not surprised.

'Gilead' is definitely an acquired taste; I loved it. Do keep trying.

Owwww! On the subject of Lessing and Kavan, I've not come across either Kavan or 'Time Bites'. I would love to read the Lessing, but it's only available in Birmingham Reference Library. Helene Hanff had some very biting things to say about libraries that wouldn't let her bring books home where they could be enjoyed with a decent cup of (in her case) coffee in front of a warm fire; I'm with her on this. However, they do have a copy of a book by Kavan called 'Ice', so that is now on it's way.

I've said my piece about proof-reading, what I want to know is where did you get that wonderful teapot. I love teapots that are teapots (i.e. not pretend fire engines and the like?)

I'm beginning to think we need a campaign against the poor editing standards that prevail today. It isn't just the slips of fact that are allowed to get through but the proof reading errors as well. I'm wallowing luxuriously in the latest Reginald Hill at the moment, wonderful read, but even there I've come across two instances when words have been left in that should have been taken out when what I think were probably grammatical changes have been made. I'm sure this is happening more frequently than used to be the case. Is it perhaps a symptom of the need to publish a book at a particular time rather than when it's ready?

I picked up a copy of Flanner's letters probably about twenty years ago in that wonderful bookshop that used to be on the Charing Cross Road, The Silver Moon. I'd forgotten about it until you mentioned her, but you're right, she was really insightful. I'm adding this book to my 'need to get hold of' list now.

Definitely [another!] one for the TBR pile.

This looks stunning. I want a copy, but where do I put it given that having resigned last week, I now have to find room at home for fourteen shelves full of books from my office? Isn't it always the way? Just when you resolve that you will not buy another book until at least half the current stock have gone to Oxfam temptation like this comes along.

The transport posters are often used on the CDs of English music from that period put out by Dutton. I love the music and have always admired the covers. This is a book I shall have to get hold of.

I'm so glad about the KC-H, Lynne. Keep going.

I've never read her either, Lynne. I would go over to the library site now, but I've already been there once this morning and it's down. Never fear, I've got my little list and Rubens is now on it.

I logging in to say that I've just commented on your comment on my blog about Rankin and be warned that if you begin, as I did, with the first one (and like you I do like to read them in order) he starts slowly and then simply gets better. Having now read the comment above, can I echo it, if only because the later Scarpetta books IMHO are so drenched in self-pity that you might never want to pick one up again. I haven't come across Camilleri. I'm off to rectify that now.

I enjoyed 'Dark Fire' more than either of the other Shardlake books, I think and 'Made in Heaven' had me laughing and crying and eventually agonising over Joss's final decision. I will be fascinated to see what you think.

Now this sounds exactly my sort of book and not unlike one I used to use with seven and eight year olds about a caterpillar, the title of which, for the moment, escapes me. I must look that out as well. Thanks Lynne.

Like you, I've been meaning to read O'Connor for ever. This looks like a good way in. I'm off now to look for a copy.