Patty

Oooh - I didnt know that Bryson had a new book - I've read almost all his others. I loved them - but especially Down Under and The Thunderbolt Kid

Isakat

This time he is talking about homes and houses-interesting facts and not about travel.
OH has all of his books, although I have not read them all.

dina1965

unfortunately, italian teenagers (at least those I know) wouldn't dream of picking a book up for "pleasure". I think it's because they're not taught to use a public library (I don't even think there is one in Salerno). We were taken on a tour of the liceo before signing up our son last September, the so-called library was just full of ancient text books, had two desks and a couple of chairs. "to be used if pupils wish to do their homework at school".

I think internet/tv/friends have already covered the subject in all its forms thoroughly !!!

TestaRossa

Lol! I asked Alex without going into detail and he knew the basic story too! I was living in hope that teens in Italy were less knowing!! Some hope with the tv here!!! Italy is far more laid back about sex than the UK so I should've known he'd be informed!!!

dina1965

yep ! long gone are the days when he would say that the difference between men and women was "men wear boxers and women wear knickers" !!!!

TestaRossa

Well he'll like the ending if you can get him to read it!! Thing is I'd have picked a contemporary Italian book like I'm Not Scared for that age group, but that's me!! Unless he's already read it?

dina1965

He's seen the film. As I mentioned before he's not "into" reading. In an attempt to get him to read a book in English, I bought him The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole a few months ago thinking it would be both easy and relatively "fun". He would never admit to enjoying it but I did notice he actually finished it !

TestaRossa

I have another suggestion then - alex rider books (teen spy but not twee at all) and darren Shan - my son loved/loves them.

indiebird

OMG, I loved those books! They cracked me up as a young teen. I loved the series on the telly too. Julie Walters as his mum. Just fab!

indiebird

just finished Elegance of the Hedgehog. What a beautiful, beautiful book but what a sad but wonderful ending.... am moving on to I Capture the Castle next....

Isakat

A couple of months ago I read the Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach.Could not put it down. It is a historical thriller/love story set in 17th century Amsterdam which was gripped by tulip bulb speculation and it is lush, visual and sensual .

dina1965

I placed my first order with "the book depositary" on 1st August, the order has been "dispatched" - do they use ordinary postal services or a courier ?

Patty

Never used them Dina so cant help you - sorry

Whilst on holiday I read loads of books (thanks to the charity shop at 20p a go !!)
My favourite was The Chimney Sweepers Boy by Barbara Vine (aka Ruth Rendell) it was really really good. Started a new book this week but had to stop as it was too creepy - will re-read it when OH comes back Its called The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters.
Also enjoyed The boy with the striped pyjamas and The Tenth Circle (jodi picoult) and The Secret life of Bees (?)
...............so many books so little time

Gio

Turn of the screw by Henry James. An ambiguous little ghost story.

durobird

Hi Dina. I have used the "book depository" a lot out here. The longest I ever had to wait was 9 days. Usually its within one week.However I suppose each area is different and depends on your postie. They come with the normal post here,and usually in seperate parcels. So if you've ordered say 3 books,expect them all packaged and posted seperately.
I'm on hol in the Amalfi coast right now. I borrowed a book from a local hotel...."Tara Road" by Maeve Binchey. I expected an easy holiday read,but couldnt put it down.Pleasantly surprised. Now I am on "Wives and Daughters" by Elizabeth Gaskell.
Happy holiday everybody