tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post1793754548212406498..comments2024-03-28T15:00:12.581-04:00Comments on Letters from a Hill Farm: Ireland Reading Challenge 2011Nanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15547916206007733970noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-84469477092025690672010-12-26T16:32:42.818-05:002010-12-26T16:32:42.818-05:00Thanks, Jake. I will definitely look into his work...Thanks, Jake. I will definitely look into his work. Thank you.<br /><br />Vintage Reading, I hope to get to EB.Nanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15547916206007733970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-70685827688535840802010-12-25T17:59:30.747-05:002010-12-25T17:59:30.747-05:00I'll look out for your Bowen review, particula...I'll look out for your Bowen review, particularly. I've heard it is an excellent book.Vintage Readinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05971819409379613967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-17418469850022707832010-12-24T07:12:52.423-05:002010-12-24T07:12:52.423-05:00I love Irish fiction, but find a lot of what is pu...I love Irish fiction, but find a lot of what is published to be quite tedious. It is almost as if someone decided that there was a particular formula by which Irish writing had to adhere. But I will happily second the recommendation of Billy O'Callaghan's books. I'm not aware of his poetry (O'll definitely look for some) but he is a marvellous short story writer, one of the best I have come across in a long time. I don't know how well known he is but I came across a book of his called In Exile while on a visit to Ireland a couple of years ago. Initially, it was the striking cover that caught my eye but I picked it up and loved the stories. I later found another book called In Too Deep through amazon and again was very impressed. It is heartening to know that during these times when hype dictates what is successful and what isn't, writers like Billy O'Callaghan are out there, quietly producing such fine work. I would recommend him highly. I don't think anyone who reads him will be disappointed.Jakenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-10537565691652449452010-12-23T09:07:51.988-05:002010-12-23T09:07:51.988-05:00Dorothy, lucky you! I have visited twice in 1971 a...Dorothy, lucky you! I have visited twice in 1971 and 1992. It's been too long. I will so enjoy reading about your travels.Nanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15547916206007733970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-60345274342837210112010-12-22T19:58:57.183-05:002010-12-22T19:58:57.183-05:00This is tempting because I'm going to Ireland ...This is tempting because I'm going to Ireland this year! Yay! I don't want to join challenges, but I will certainly have to keep an eye out for some Irish books to read over the next few months, or maybe to take with me on the trip. Or to buy when I'm there?Rebecca H.https://www.blogger.com/profile/10825532162727473112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-22613343769239773582010-12-22T11:35:04.916-05:002010-12-22T11:35:04.916-05:00Thanks, Carrie. I read Dowd's London Eye Myste...Thanks, Carrie. I read Dowd's London Eye Mystery and loved it. So sad that she died. Sounds like I really must read Trinity! If I finish all my others, I'll see if the library has it.<br /><br />I'll be interested to see which ones you like, Staci.<br /><br />Joanne, I find myself amazed, amazed at bloggers who read well over a hundred books a year! And I'm home, kids grown, and still don't read nearly that much. We don't travel anymore but when we did, I used to buy books in places where we visited. I think this challenge will be fun!<br /><br />Ann, I really like MB too, esp. the newer stuff.<br /><br />Les, I don't think there is anything prettier!<br /><br />Sallie, I like the idea of the whole month being celebratory. That's why I've always opened presents as I get them instead of waiting till Christmas day. :<)<br /><br />Margaret, that was a great book. I'm not so fond of her early books, but these later ones are very good.<br /><br />Sherri, the same to you!Nanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15547916206007733970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-18457532699097248672010-12-22T09:59:36.853-05:002010-12-22T09:59:36.853-05:00I did this challenge last year-enjoy! I'm lim...I did this challenge last year-enjoy! I'm limiting myself to only 1 challenge this coming year. <br /><br />YAY for another book geek!!!<br /><br />Merry Christmas to you,Nan and your family also!!!Sherrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955995520615536271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-19923388378095217512010-12-22T07:08:07.485-05:002010-12-22T07:08:07.485-05:00I'm glad you doing this 'challenge'. I...I'm glad you doing this 'challenge'. I too decided that 'challenges' are a spur to remember my to-be-read books and get them out to read.<br /><br />Night of Rain and Stars was the first Binchy book I read and I loved itMargarethttp://www.booksplease.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-88595556972244934992010-12-21T22:36:57.684-05:002010-12-21T22:36:57.684-05:00Thanks for sharing the quote about challenges -- I...Thanks for sharing the quote about challenges -- I haven't seen that blog -- but that is exactly how I think of the word 'challenge.'<br /><br />The punch and cookies in the previous post both sound wonderful.<br /><br />Merry Christmas Nan! (Sounds like your celebration is already off to a great start!)Sallie (FullTime-Life)http://www.travelingrainvilles.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-57545322013401323172010-12-21T21:53:55.331-05:002010-12-21T21:53:55.331-05:00Another gorgeous header, Nan!! That snow is beauti...Another gorgeous header, Nan!! That snow is beautiful!Leshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08345657431432380804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-25742930780521104232010-12-21T18:18:16.790-05:002010-12-21T18:18:16.790-05:00Maeve Binchy is my favorite. She gives you such a ...Maeve Binchy is my favorite. She gives you such a feel for the characters and their surroundings.<br />Ann<br />(Love the snowy picture)Ann Summervillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13300190648788509096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-6423450767860381152010-12-21T18:04:24.699-05:002010-12-21T18:04:24.699-05:00I bow to your book geekdom and I'm envious. I ...I bow to your book geekdom and I'm envious. I read a lot, but you are amazing. I do know that when I'm packing for a trip, the first thing I plan is reading material. How about you? Your challenge for the new year is worthwhile. Looking forward to some luck o' the Irish. (also, fabulous photo)Joannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-3901232601349209722010-12-21T17:25:43.776-05:002010-12-21T17:25:43.776-05:00I am excited that you're doing this one..I'...I am excited that you're doing this one..I'm sure I will pick up a book or two from your book reports next year!Stacihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07600979915661464945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-62036983211250180562010-12-21T16:35:22.624-05:002010-12-21T16:35:22.624-05:00Welcome to the challenge! You have a great list of...Welcome to the challenge! You have a great list of books there - and I have to tell you that Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd is absolutely amazing. And Trinity is one of my top-ten favorite books of all time. :)Carrie K.http://booksandmovies.colvilleblogger.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-90396040037955955592010-12-21T14:35:13.182-05:002010-12-21T14:35:13.182-05:00What a nice thing to say, sprite! I try really har...What a nice thing to say, sprite! I try really hard to give the flavor of a book so whoever reads the book report can decide if they want to read it or not. I just finished Maeve Binchy's short stories for the season, and thought it was a great collection - This Year It Will Be Different.<br /><br />Laura, I have tried RD a few times and just can't get past the no quotation marks. Probably silly, but there you go. I haven't heard of HH, or the poet. Thank you! I think Maeve Binchy doesn't try and make things sound all wonderful and cheery. Her books seem quite honest to me. <br /><br />Jill, I didn't omit necessarily but his work isn't on my shelf. If I make it to the extras I noted - the ones I don't own, I'll be amazed. :<) I've never read LU. I will remember your recommendation with thanks.Nanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15547916206007733970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-82388022722401621282010-12-21T13:59:28.741-05:002010-12-21T13:59:28.741-05:00Noticed you omitted Leon Uris' Trinity and Red...Noticed you omitted Leon Uris' Trinity and Redemption. These are really great novels of Irish history, especially Trinity. I highly recommend.Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11791018174075586241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-81685523180885507172010-12-21T13:18:58.393-05:002010-12-21T13:18:58.393-05:00That is a great idea. I am Irish and have read qui...That is a great idea. I am Irish and have read quite a few of these books if you are looking for more ideas any Roddy Doyle book is worth a read- they are more true to life than some of the shamrock toting ones. Hugo Hamiltons book 'The speckled people' is also worth a read. Have a look at the work of Billy O Callaghan a poet from Cork, you will not be disappointed Best of luck. Laura.Lauranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-24470388915541339792010-12-21T13:11:46.534-05:002010-12-21T13:11:46.534-05:00I just wanted to let you know I'm reading Patr...I just wanted to let you know I'm reading Patrick Taylor's Irish Country Christmas right now because you've recommended the series so highly and am quite enjoying it. I thought about waiting and starting the series from the beginning, but I just felt like I needed some more holiday books in my life and I feel like I never go wrong with your endorsements.<br /><br />Thank you!spritehttp://www.spritewrites.netnoreply@blogger.com