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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2013 6:24:03 GMT 1
I do like the sound of this one, I've just been looking it up, it's had lots of different names. Is the text different in each version?
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Post by brumby on Jul 7, 2013 7:25:37 GMT 1
Have just finished The Horse Dancer, it deserves a smiley! I have added my views and vote in the reviews section. Am loving this challenge, every time someone writes about their book I add it to my list of Must haves (its a very long list)
Had a good laugh about the Summer temperature, you should come to Melbourne in Summer, 30C is about average tends to get up near 40C I prefer winter myself, lovely days here at the moment average around 14C
Off to choose my next book...
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tamzin
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Post by tamzin on Jul 7, 2013 7:46:52 GMT 1
Brumby - I'm loving this challenge too,; it's a great idea. BUT I must admit that my aim was to read 10 books from my tbr pile, which would more correctly be the tbr load on my bookshelves! This is not exactly going to plan as the SRC flags up MORE books I'd like to read I ended up ordering the Yoki book after Susan's comments. There are just SO MANY good books out there, aren't there my pony book lover pals? Australia is a beautiful country, but I just couldn't bear those temperatures. I feel ill and depressed in anything more than about 22 degrees. Spring and autumn over here are definitely my favourite seasons. Your 14 degrees sounds lovely. Edited to say that I've just gone back to read comments on page 4 and I'd better justify my moaning Claire. by explaining that I'm not one of those who complain about the rain (honestly). My husband though does maintain that I only have 2 perfect days each year, one in the spring and one in the autumn, which isn't accurate; I just don't like extremes. Half way through The Good Master and it's a smiley so far, but will post in bold when it's final.
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Post by Claire on Jul 7, 2013 10:31:31 GMT 1
Brumby - I'm loving this challenge too,; it's a great idea. BUT I must admit that my aim was to read 10 books from my tbr pile, which would more correctly be the tbr load on my bookshelves! This is not exactly going to plan as the SRC flags up MORE books I'd like to read I ended up ordering the Yoki book after Susan's comments. There are just SO MANY good books out there, aren't there my pony book lover pals? Yes the original aim of this when we set it up last year was to whittle down some of our TBR lists with a bit of support to keep us going. But yes it does unfortunately have the opposite effect of actually adding to them! My husband though does maintain that I only have 2 perfect days each year, one in the spring and one in the autumn, which isn't accurate; I just don't like extremes. Lol I think that is true of a lot of British people. Plus this year we are not used to the heat, having gone such a long time with very low temperatures. The first time it got to about 18 this year it felt like it was about 28! I've only experienced 40+ temps once when I was in Rhodes and that was too hot even for me. But after spending months walking around the house muffled up in layers of clothes, hats and scarfs this heatwave is OK by me.
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Post by Claire on Jul 7, 2013 10:36:55 GMT 1
I do like the sound of this one, I've just been looking it up, it's had lots of different names. Is the text different in each version? I'm not sure if the text differs as I have only the 1978 paperback version (it was originally published in 1963). It does not say it was abridged or revised anywhere and I don't think it was updated at all. Janet wears a hat to the interview which is very sixties! I think Susan has the USA version - maybe we can compare it with the UK one. Updated everyone's lists last night and added Brumby - sorry Brumby you are not in alphabetical order as it would have involved moving everything around, maybe if your name began with a later letter in the alphabet than a B! But thanks for joining in and getting into the spirit of things. Well done to rosie and susan who have now also won yellow rosettes for 3 books read. But if you are still on your first book don't worry as this is more of a long distance ride than a race. The challenge is to read them all by the end of summer, not to be the first one to finish
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Post by garej on Jul 7, 2013 12:06:54 GMT 1
I just finished Heroines on Horseback by Jane Badger] last night - I would give it a smiley.
I found it interesting and it gave a quick summary of some of the books without giving the plot away. Ideal if you are interested in the history of the pony book. The only downside is that it skimmed through the more modern stuff (1990s onwards), briefly giving them a mention. I felt as though they werent given the same time to the book. Perhaps Jane simply ran out of room - after all you cant fit everything into a book. Though admittedly there are new pony authors coming out all the time. The major authors (PTs, K M Peyton) are covered along with lesser authors such as Patience McElwee (though like modern books they arent all covered).
I will review it on amazon when I have the chance.
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tamzin
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Post by tamzin on Jul 7, 2013 14:17:14 GMT 1
I just finished Heroines on Horseback by Jane Badger] last night - I would give it a smiley. I found it interesting and it gave a quick summary of some of the books without giving the plot away. Ideal if you are interested in the history of the pony book. The only downside is that it skimmed through the more modern stuff (1990s onwards), briefly giving them a mention. I felt as though they werent given the same time to the book. Perhaps Jane simply ran out of room - after all you cant fit everything into a book. Though admittedly there are new pony authors coming out all the time. The major authors (PTs, K M Peyton) are covered along with lesser authors such as Patience McElwee (though like modern books they arent all covered). I will review it on amazon when I have the chance. I’m going to be controversial here and throw the cat among the pigeons, by saying I think this is because the modern pony book is usually not worth mentioning. I think one of the reasons I so enjoyed There Must Be Horses was because it was exceptional in being well written with a good plot, characters etc. After I’ve read the typical modern pony book it’s either up for sale on Ebay, or off to the charity shop, whereas I find it hard to part with the old traditional ones such as Monica Edwards, JPT and Ruby Ferguson (published by Armada/Collins or Knight/Hodder & Stoughton) even when we can easily buy the full, unabridged versions recently published by GGBP and Fidra. I think Kunuma’s post, Rose Coloured Spectacles and forum members who’ve replied have already pointed out the usual superiority of the older pony books.
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Post by garej on Jul 7, 2013 16:33:26 GMT 1
I also got a surprise when it came to the acknowledgements, I am mentioned by name.
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Post by rallycairn on Jul 7, 2013 17:32:42 GMT 1
One more quick weather comment -- I should have noted that this is actually the coolest summer I've had in a number of years. Last year by this point we had already had several 100F + spells, which we haven't had this year and I am VERY GRATEFUL.
I think I would thrive in the rainy, cooler climates.
The Malin Stehn book is very nice -- some time is given to the heroine's experiences at a new school to start the book off.
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Post by garej on Jul 7, 2013 18:07:33 GMT 1
I think I would thrive in the rainy, cooler climates. Come to the UK - we have plenty of cold rainy weather! (Though saying this it's over 25°C atm)
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Post by Claire on Jul 7, 2013 19:04:15 GMT 1
I’m going to be controversial here and throw the cat among the pigeons, by saying I think this is because the modern pony book is usually not worth mentioning. I think Kunuma’s post, Rose Coloured Spectacles and forum members who’ve replied have already pointed out the usual superiority of the older pony books. Well this has reminded me that I forgot to reply to kunuma's post. Just have, so not going to completely repeat myself here but emphatically I don't agree at all that modern pony books aren't worth mentioning. Yes they have a different style but when you get used to this, there are some really excellent stories out there. Some of the stuff I've read by Angela Dorsey, Jane Ayres, Sheena Wilkinson and Sharon Siamon to name just a few is actually better than a lot of the older stuff. And 2 of the most outstanding books I've read this year, Sheena W's Too Many Ponies which you mention Tamzin and also There Must be Horses by Diana Kimpton were also published this year. I think the reason Jane hasn't gone into them much is probably because the publisher Girls Gone By is a specialist publisher of older classic children's fiction, including quite a few pony books such as Jill series, Monica Edwards etc, and so the emphasis on the older traditional pony story reflects this interest. This would probably also explain the title which does tend to suggest there weren't any boys in pony books which is not at all the case. However if you look at GGB's catalogue it is mainly what you would class as 'girl's' books from that period, the title is extremely apt. But back to my own reading. Started Applegate. I'd heard it wasn't very good which is why its been on my TBR pile for a long time but its actually not that bad so far. Its a riding school story which I like, it's quite easy to read and quite lively. Nothing outstanding but it may get a smiley face or at worst a neutral depending on how the rest of the book goes on.
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Post by garej on Jul 7, 2013 19:39:24 GMT 1
I think the reason Jane hasn't gone into them much is probably because the publisher Girls Gone By is a specialist publisher of older classic children's fiction, including quite a few pony books such as Jill series, Monica Edwards etc, and so the emphasis on the older traditional pony story reflects this interest. This would probably also explain the title which does tend to suggest there weren't any boys in pony books which is not at all the case. However if you look at GGB's catalogue it is mainly what you would class as 'girl's' books from that period, the title is extremely apt. That's a fair point, it never occured to me. Also the lack of male role models (the PTs had a fair few). But I have put my review on amazon and pointed it out to Jane, who has thanked me for her review. I have rated it as Five Stars on amazon, because the issues that I didnt like are mostly personal. I have reviewed it on my blog since the book covers the PTs, but it's mainly a rehash of my amazon review, with a plug to Jane's site so that people can get it signed for no extra cost. I dont know which book to start next - either Joe and the Hidden Horseshoe or Murder Strikes Pink. I am trying to leave The Railway Children until last because I have twice started it and struggled to finish it. I put it on my list because it would encourage me to actually have another go at it.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2013 20:16:29 GMT 1
Talking of Jane's book, the Follyfoot stuff is in with Pat Leitch arggghhh! LOL! ;D I'm now reading Punchbowl Harvest
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Post by kunuma on Jul 8, 2013 0:12:14 GMT 1
Well an easy one to grade, big smiley for We Met Our Cousins. Another smiley for Summer With Tommy. BUT, Claire I need some very strange smileys for some of mine!
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Post by brumby on Jul 8, 2013 4:59:40 GMT 1
Ok just finished my third book (The Heron ride) and have just been reading Claire's review and the comments. I agree with both views. It was very slow to start and I found hard to get into, but something about the characters kept me going, I think at about page 90 (or there a bouts) it just captured me. What I ended up loving most about this story was the displaced people in the story, children with parents deceased or not caring or not understanding, yes it was beautifully written, its one of those books i cannot stop thinking about. Can't pinpoint why but I loved Adam. The pony element however was disappointing, I'm afraid I didn't get the real love of horses, I found Sarahs thoughts about the lippizaners was more about remembering her mother than really about a love for horses. To be truthful I guess what annoyed me at the start of the story was the description of Toby (as just a fat, hairy stubborn pony) I would have taken Toby home any day and given him a cuddle. I guess it just annoys me that the pure bred lippizaner were seen as magnificent and Toby was seen as less important!
Never ceases to amaze me how our reaction can tell us a lot about our selves! in the end I will have to say The Heron Ride earns a Smiley and Toby should get a cuddle too!.
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Post by brumby on Jul 8, 2013 5:00:46 GMT 1
Oops bold face didn't work, try again. The Heron Ride gets a smiley
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Post by susanb on Jul 8, 2013 11:23:02 GMT 1
Finished Quest for a Pony yesterday....mmmm...I guess it was ok enough to rate a smiley. Pretty average, but a pleasant enough way to pass a boiling hot day! We've got to have a scout round and find Claire some more smiley clips before next year....need big cheesy grin ;D for the really great ones so we can save the plain smileys for the average! On to Dead Man's Touch today....what a contrast!
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Post by haffyfan on Jul 8, 2013 19:04:14 GMT 1
I do like the sound of this one, I've just been looking it up, it's had lots of different names. Is the text different in each version? I don't think so, Last Summer To ride is the version i have and it isn't Americanised at all as far as i remember...however like with Jump To The Top i assume odd bits were updated in the Armada editions. I thought i had a pb version too but can't find it right now to check. In my copy it mentions paying 10 shillings a week for Tamzin so i'm guessing this is pounds in the 70's reprints as this was what happened in Jacky? Still on PL - Claire i never picked up on kay's friend being Jacky but when i eventually get started on the challenge i'll be looking out for it! Wonders if kay is mentioned in Flicka now...might have to check!
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Post by Claire on Jul 9, 2013 0:34:30 GMT 1
Now i come to think of it I'm sure the keep for Tamzin was in £s not shillings so the money maybe was updated. Haffy - glad I'm not the only one who missed the Jacky connection in Black Loch. Thought I was totally unobservant, having read it loads of times! If you miss it again let me know and I'll tell you the page number! Yes I'm curious as to Kay being mentioned in Jacky Jumps. I have the Armada pb of that too not the original Spitfire one.
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Post by brumby on Jul 9, 2013 6:35:09 GMT 1
Just finished Trouble at Ponyways and will give it a smiley Fairly simply written pony adventure with a few interesting characters. Not exactly brain challenging but a light and entertaining read.
Does anyone had any ideas on where to buy books published in the USA that offer cheap postage? Being in Australia I find the postage from the US is prohibitive and therefore am having trouble getting hold of these titles. Most of the books I have bought have come from the UK where often the postage is reasonable.
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Post by trixiepony on Jul 9, 2013 7:07:12 GMT 1
I'm feeling very slow with the rest off you. About 1/3 threw The Magician's Daughter. Just don't seem to be abul to get in to reading. Mmm may be its like school I struggled with them as well.
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Post by brumby on Jul 9, 2013 8:44:46 GMT 1
Trixiepony, keep reading please, I'm waiting to hear what you think of Tan & Tarmac? I've just ordered a copy ;D
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Post by brumby on Jul 9, 2013 8:51:29 GMT 1
Wondering? Does it make a difference to your enjoyment of the story if the book is say illustrated, dust jacketed? The last two i have read The heron ride and trouble at ponyways were both illustrated, so I found that enjoying the beautiful illustrations added to my enjoyment.
Perhaps if some of the newer books had lovely illustrations they may be more appealing (I don't mean a rubbish book can become great with a few pics) What do others think? I personally love illustrated book!
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Post by Claire on Jul 9, 2013 9:47:16 GMT 1
Yes I love illustrations, I think they do add to the book and are even some consolation if the book is rubbish! Even tho the series isn't great literature I will always love the Jackie books for the wonderful Geoffrey Whittam illustrations. Just looking at them now without even reading the books brings back memories of my horsy youth. Stuck a bit on Applegate as its a big cumbersome book and I wanted to take a book out to go and read by the river so that was out. I may find a lighter one to read in the meantime. Hmm who would have thought weight was the criteria to choose a book Trixie sorry to hear you are stuck on your first book. Thats a pain. Why not have a little break and start again when you feel more inclined. Its not a school assignment and I won't be giving black marks to anyone who doesn't finish Folks I will update the web page and the smileys tonight, not on the computer much at the moment. Business is quite slow with everyone out enjoying the sun so I am having a bit of a mini-holiday too.
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tamzin
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Post by tamzin on Jul 9, 2013 11:01:50 GMT 1
The Good Master - Kate Seredy - smiley face please. I've ordered the sequel.
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Post by susanb on Jul 9, 2013 11:28:41 GMT 1
trixiepony....can you take a break from that book and move on to another on your challange list? I made the mistake of sticking with a book that just wasn't catching my interest last year and never did finish either the book or the challenge! brumby....the postage thing is awful isn't it? I have the same issue buying from Australia! Of course, we ARE on opposite sides of the globe, so the books do have to travel about as far as possible and still be on the same planet That said, if a book is in print, The Book Depository is a good option, if they operate in Australia. I buy books from the UK often from them, and the shipping is free!!! Outside of that, I often find ebay sellers often offer better postage prices than you get from a book selling site like abebooks. Claire, re book weight being a determining factor...lol, why do you think I made sure several of my titles were available as ebooks!
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Post by trixiepony on Jul 9, 2013 11:39:16 GMT 1
Thanks 4 the advise Brumby, Claire & Susanb, I'll try a different one on my list see if that helps funny thing is I know I like the book loved it first read but haven't picked it up in ages so thort be good for the challenge.
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Post by garej on Jul 9, 2013 11:52:59 GMT 1
Finished Joe and the hidden horseshoe last night - a smiley please. Loved it and never read anything by Victoria Eveleigh before so I will definitely read something by her again. I loved how she described the impracticalities of living in the countryside.
Sorry I can't do bold Claire as I am on my mobile.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2013 12:55:05 GMT 1
Trixiepony, keep reading please, I'm waiting to hear what you think of Tan & Tarmac? I've just ordered a copy ;D I've got that one to read as well, be interesting to see what we three think of it. It's had a bad review on here. Bet I like it Yep agree with everyone else trixiepony, try another book and go back to that one.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2013 13:05:34 GMT 1
Wondering? Does it make a difference to your enjoyment of the story if the book is say illustrated, dust jacketed? The last two i have read The heron ride and trouble at ponyways were both illustrated, so I found that enjoying the beautiful illustrations added to my enjoyment. Perhaps if some of the newer books had lovely illustrations they may be more appealing (I don't mean a rubbish book can become great with a few pics) What do others think? I personally love illustrated book! Yes I love the illustrations too. However I still wouldn't buy modern pony books even if they were beautifully illustrated. I've just been getting rid of some older books which have gorgeous illustrations but the stories bored me stiff. I only have room for a certain amount of books so the ones I keep have to be something I'll read again and again as well as illustrated.
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