Introducing the genre challenge

[Helen]

Good. It's set about 30 years into the future where two vaccines cause the dead to rise. I read it for another group, thinking it would be scary and I wouldn't sleep. It isn't scary at all, dealing with corruption in a US election with the zombies a background feature. I will have to get the sequel.

[Vicky]

Helen wrote: "Good. It's set about 30 years into the future where two vaccines cause the dead to rise. I read it for another group, thinking it would be scary and I wouldn't sleep. It isn't scary at all, dealing..."

Oooh! Sounds interesting! I've added it to my TBR list which just seems to be growing and growing!!!!!!

[Ian, Moderator]

What is the current incredible appeal of stories with vampires in them?

[Matt]

Ian wrote: "What is the current incredible appeal of stories with vampires in them?"

You've got me there your Royal Highness...not a clue! Maybe it's a girl thing us mere mortals would not understand (okay ladies, don't shoot me...just a thought...) {;]= One...ahar...two...ahar...

[Susan]

I realise that lots of people love this whole paranormal genre, but It just doesn't appeal to me.
I did read a book about werwolves, for another group, and many readers raved about it, but honestly, I thought it was rubbish.

[Jane]

Strey wrote: "Ian wrote: "What is the current incredible appeal of stories with vampires in them?"

You've got me there your Royal Highness...not a clue! Maybe it's a girl thing us mere mortals would not under..."

I just dont get it either... it seems to be taking over the world...

[Matt]

Jane wrote: "Strey wrote: "Ian wrote: "What is the current incredible appeal of stories with vampires in them?"

You've got me there your Royal Highness...not a clue! Maybe it's a girl thing us mere mortals w..."

Okay...Susan & Jane sort of disproving my observation - ergo, am now at an even more complete loss! {?)

[Em]

I've space for a vampire or two in my life! Well, in books and on the TV anyway - not an actual one in the house. Although.....

[Matt]

Steady...you'll be getting those 'Lost Boys' around...

[Dalia]

I think the appeal of vampires is the same as the appeal of roller coasters and other things that appear to be dangerous and give us a thrill. This isn't new- part of the Dracula story in movies is that he seduces in part his female "victims"..... remember Dark Shadows?

[Andy]

I believe the Twilight series started this current craze.

[Helen]

Interview with the Vampire started the 'good' vampire stories off. Particularly with her sequel which was directly about Lestat, who was so misunderstood.

The idea is that you have this perfect, unchanging male who adores you completely and is devoted to you. Willing and wanting to spend his (eternal) life with you. Plus side, you don't have to cook for him.

I fell in love with Lestat when I was about 16 and was very upset when I discovered the 'monster' vampires.

[Helen]

Oh, by the way, I've started another distopian - Declaration. Good concept but reads a little young.

[Em]

Yes, quite! I like your summary of the appeal of vampires Helen.

[Angela]

Helen wrote: "Interview with the Vampire started the 'good' vampire stories off. Particularly with her sequel which was directly about Lestat, who was so misunderstood.

The idea is that you hav..."

That's Vampires pretty much in a nut shell!

[Ian, Moderator]

"Plus side, you don't have to cook for him."

Now that's just taking a fantasy one step too far - lol

[Helen]

My ex whilst not remotely vampire-like was an excellent cook. We split and he left on the Saturday. On the Monday I came home from school and it wasn't until I was in bed that I realised I hadn't eaten. Didn't miss him but really missed having my dinner cooked. Lots of porridge for dinner that week!

[Matt]

Helen wrote: "My ex whilst not remotely vampire-like was an excellent cook. We split and he left on the Saturday. On the Monday I came home from school and it wasn't until I was in bed that I realised I hadn't e..."

Crumbs! Fangs for sharing. Now that's enough to turn anyone to a diet of blood...

[Matt]

I mean to say... PORRIDGE *SCREAMS* from stage left.

[Ian, Moderator]

Strey wrote: "I mean to say... PORRIDGE *SCREAMS* from stage left."

Nothing wrong with a good bowl of porridge...if it's good enough for the 3 bears, it'll do for me.......mind you, does Oatso Simple count??

[Lynne - The Book Squirrel]

Ian wrote: "Strey wrote: "I mean to say... PORRIDGE *SCREAMS* from stage left."

Nothing wrong with a good bowl of porridge...if it's good enough for the 3 bears, it'll do for me.......mind you, does Oatso S..."

I practically live on Oats so Simple! I love it! I only like the golden syrup one though. Keeps you going for ages!

[Gill]

Oats so Simple - Sultanas and apple for breakfast this morning!

[Lynne - The Book Squirrel]

I haven't had breakfast or lunch and I have to go to bed soon so just making some Oats so simple to have!

[Ian, Moderator]

Oatso Plain but with strawberry jam gets my vote - sweet dreams Lynne

[Lynne - The Book Squirrel]

Ian wrote: "Oatso Plain but with strawberry jam gets my vote - sweet dreams Lynne"

Thank you Your Highness, I will try to sleep and have a quiet nightshift, hope so with the same patient all weekend so I hope he sleeps! Want to get some books read!

[Matt]

OMG! Only you lot could go from bloodlusting vampires to discussing the merits of Oatso Simple! 'Mad' Sarah should feel really at home now!

Ah i remember shift work...it was what used to pay the bills! Hope it's okay Your Squirrelness...just don't forget to check his breathing between chapters... (is that a bit wrong...sorry) ;)

[Ian, Moderator]

We shall move onto discussing Quakers in due course or indeed Puritanism - I'm sure they'd approve of a porridge based diet. anyone??

[Em]

Strey wrote: "OMG! Only you lot could go from bloodlusting vampires to discussing the merits of Oatso Simple! 'Mad' Sarah should feel really at home now!

Ah i remember shift work...it was what used to pay the b..."

In any other dicussion group that would be a bit wrong... but in this one.....

[Matt]

Truly!

Having read your excellent review...I now cannot get the name Dimmesdale out of my mind said in a Norman Wisdom voice!

Time for my medication........nurse....

[Ian, Moderator]

Strey wrote: "Truly!

Having read your excellent review...I now cannot get the name Dimmesdale out of my mind said in a Norman Wisdom voice!

Time for my medication........nurse...."

lol - there's a Carry on film in this somewhere. Barbara Windsor as Hester Prynne methinks

[Matt]

Ian wrote: "Strey wrote: "Truly!

Having read your excellent review...I now cannot get the name Dimmesdale out of my mind said in a Norman Wisdom voice!

Time for my medication........nurse...."

lol - t..."

"Oooh...Matron!!"

[Helen]

Lynne, Golden syrup oats so simple is the one I like too.

[Lynne - The Book Squirrel]

Strey wrote: "OMG! Only you lot could go from bloodlusting vampires to discussing the merits of Oatso Simple! 'Mad' Sarah should feel really at home now!

Ah i remember shift work...it was what used to pay the b..."

No actually Strey you are spot on! As a Marie Curie nurse we go to the patient very near the end of life and there is not that much we can do, keep them comfortable, pain free by checking syringe driver if they have one and watch for any changes.

[Matt]

Assumed as much. Your colleagues helped my dad many moons ago. You should be very very proud. :)

I used to do some nights on 'suicide watch' with people trying to die, not live. :(

All makes your view of life kinda weird doesn't it?

[Liz, Moderator]

Em wrote: "I've space for a vampire or two in my life! Well, in books and on the TV anyway - not an actual one in the house. Although....."

I'm a bit slow on this; but be careful Em, you almost 'invited' one into your home just then! As you live in Bristol, there's plenty in the area.....or so we're led to believe - 'Being Human' anyone?

On the great oats debate; we can't get 'Oats So Simple' in Singapore and if you ask for porridge, you get a bowl of rice porridge (often with fish) rather than oats! However, I can buy a pack of old fashioned Quaker oats at the supermarket. Despite the heat, my son loves it with mashed banana & raisins - a taste of home.

[Helen]

Being Human is now in Barry - my home town! Fancy not being able to get Oats so Simple, hope Cadburys are available.

[Liz, Moderator]

Helen wrote: "Being Human is now in Barry - my home town! Fancy not being able to get Oats so Simple, hope Cadburys are available."

Cadbury's certainly is, but it doesn't taste the same - they put something in it so that it doesn't melt as easily, which then makes it taste horrible. Luckily we can also get Green & Black's - mmmmmmmm!

[Helen]

When we all pop round for the flat warming, I'll load up and do my best not to eat it!

[Liz, Moderator]

Helen wrote: "When we all pop round for the flat warming, I'll load up and do my best not to eat it!"

Yes, it's a bit of a way to come for the flat-warming! We have to be out of our current place by the end of June (five weeks and counting) and I'm still hunting for our new home...

[Helen]

No pressure then! Good luck.

[Lynne - The Book Squirrel]

Strey wrote: "Assumed as much. Your colleagues helped my dad many moons ago. You should be very very proud. :)

I used to do some nights on 'suicide watch' with people trying to die, not live. :(

All makes your..."

Thank you, I do my very best to let the patient and family have the end they wish to have, mainly in their own home, with family around them, peaceful and pain-free.


My patient was lovely last night, ad looking forward to another 2 nights with him and his family.

[Helen]

Thought I'd squeeze in another dystopian - Incarceron. This genre is so much better than biog, good choosing people.

[Andy]

Helen wrote: "Thought I'd squeeze in another dystopian - Incarceron. This genre is so much better than biog, good choosing people."

Interesting find added it to my to read's, let me know how you get on.

[Helen]

I'm about half way and really enjoying it, can't put it down as I need to solve the mystery!

[Helen]

I finished Incarceron and decided I have to read the sequel so that brings my sci-fi/dystopian count to 6.

[Helen]

Yay, Fantasy next, my fav genre.

[Ian, Moderator]

I think you're rigging the voting Helen

[Lynne - The Book Squirrel]

I read lots of fantasy too, I do try to mix a few others in between but I still tend to have lots of fantasy on my bookcases.

[Helen]

Ian, I'm shocked - Moderator, unfair accusations abound! I can't help it if people have good taste! I did read a non-fiction book!

[Ian, Moderator]

I suspect your involvement in vote rigging at FIFA as well....."J'accuse" as Emile Zola would no doubt still say - lol