|
Post by brumby on Aug 14, 2017 8:18:39 GMT 1
Just realised I forgot to give a SMILEY for THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY Really enjoyed and my favourite character by far was Bodger the bull terrier, really have a bit of a soft spot for bullies.
Also finished THE BLACK STALLION and it deserves FROWNY FACE if it wasn't for this challenge I would probably not have finished it! It was plain dull and the part where they 'break in' the Black Stallion was disgusting!
Have also watched the film which comes close to the worst film I've seen, am working myself up to posting comments on the book film tie in page!
|
|
|
Post by garej on Aug 14, 2017 11:52:58 GMT 1
I have finished PONY IN THE LUGGAGE and I am sad to report that it's a NEUTRAL face. It just didn't grab me as an particularly good book but I did enjoy it hence why it's not a frowny. The bit where they had to hide the pony in the wardrobe was the best bit but the rest I feel was a little bit weak. I am glad that I didn't spend an awful lot of money on it.
|
|
|
Post by garej on Aug 14, 2017 12:11:58 GMT 1
Also I have finished the Summer Reading Challenge. I will have to think about my star read.
|
|
|
Post by rallycairn on Aug 14, 2017 14:58:28 GMT 1
Congrats on finishing, garej! Well, there's a change in tone in the third Wild Horse Creek book, Heartbreak Hills. No overt continuity errors, it just seems different things are emphasized, and things I thought would be carried on from the first two books are more mentioned as asides rather than continuing plot points. BUT I came to realize the change in tone was likely a choice on the author's part, because this book is told much more from impulsive twin Liv's point of view, rather than from the quieter, more thoughtful Sophie. The narration is third person omniscient in all the books, but the focus of the events and the perspective in this one is more Liv's, and the breezy and action-oriented tone of the book conveys her character well. BIG SMILEY please for HEARTBREAK HILLS by SHARON SIAMON.PS: brumby, I was never a huge Black Stallion fan as a kid, though I did like and read most of the series. But I LOATHED the film because I thought the movie Alec was MUCH too young, and also I thought Kelly Reno's performance was quite dreadful. There's just such a big difference in plausibility and dynamics for a pre-teen versus an older teen to have survived on the island, tamed a wild stallion, etc. And there's a great difference in tone. The movie was trying so hard to be artsy fartsy and win cinematography awards and make some primal connection with ancient history and Bucephalus. For all the implausibility of the book, the tone is not trying so hard to be elegaic and is more just an adventure-type boy-and-his-horse story. Decades since I read the original book, and I don't think I've seen the movie since it first came out, I loathed it so. Can't wait to re-read and re-watch to see how they both strike me now.
|
|
|
Post by kunuma1 on Aug 14, 2017 16:50:03 GMT 1
Just realised I forgot to give a SMILEY for THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY Really enjoyed and my favourite character by far was Bodger the bull terrier, really have a bit of a soft spot for bullies. Also finished THE BLACK STALLION and it deserves FROWNY FACE if it wasn't for this challenge I would probably not have finished it! It was plain dull and the part where they 'break in' the Black Stallion was disgusting! Have also watched the film which comes close to the worst film I've seen, am working myself up to posting comments on the book film tie in page! The first Incredible Journey film was really good too, they stuck to the right animals, and everything was realistic and as it happened in the book. I loved the book too, though my favourite was always the lab Luath of course! But then the human race got dumbed down over the decades and animal films started getting silly, and so the remake of the film had 'talking' animals and all the breeds involved were totally wrong, making nonsense of a lot of things in the story. In fact talking about it has made me want to watch the original film again, I wonder if I can find an affordable copy?? Then I could do a write up on that instead of the Black Stallion film, which so far is "scenes of black Arab stally on the beach 10 out of 10, rest of film - 0"!!
|
|
|
Post by garej on Aug 14, 2017 18:47:26 GMT 1
Judging by the comments about The Black Stallion I am glad that I did Odds Against/The Racing Game.
|
|
|
Post by haffyfan on Aug 14, 2017 20:48:44 GMT 1
So i started Join up, having quite enjoyed the previous two in the series, to find Meg is no longer the main protagonist but Lacey has taken over being the 'voice'. There also seem to have a time hop of several years as i was sure she was only 13 previously and now is off to be an instructor at a summer camp. That's literally as much as i managed so will have another try maybe tomorrow but i see my first failure happening rather sooner than expected!
|
|
|
Post by haffyfan on Aug 14, 2017 20:54:17 GMT 1
Please can i pop Rennie goes riding on my list somewhere or other?
|
|
|
Post by rallycairn on Aug 15, 2017 3:58:03 GMT 1
Big SMILEY please for DESERT RESCUE by SHARON SIAMON.
The main characters are all pretty well established by now, and everyone's present in this title, with the new addition of the twins' brother, Mark. This one is fast paced with a reasonably plausible suspense element involving human- and horse-trafficking smugglers. Here's a wry excerpt, in which two of the friends have been captured by the smugglers, locally known as "coyotes":
"The short, smelly horse trailer held the stink of all the terrified horses the smugglers had hauled. Dayna peered out the ventilation slats in its side.
'What are they doing out there?' Brady asked.
'I can't tell. I can't see anything except trees and bushes. No sign of the coyotes. They're probably figuring out what to do with us.' Dayna sighed and slumped to the trailer floor beside Brady. 'I think we'll have a long wait.'
'Do you think the others got away?'
Dayna gave a tiny shrug. 'They must have. But if they did, they'll come back for us. Shane's a tough cowboy and Liv is nuts about you.'
'Do you think so?' Brady frowned. 'I thought we had something going, but now she just teases me all the time.'
'Have you kissed her?'
'Huh!' Brady twisted uncomfortably. 'I tried once, but I stepped into a water bucket and sort of ... fell into her.'
'Very romantic.'
'Why are we talking about this when we're about to be shot or kidnapped?' Brady got to his feet, blushing."
Desert Rescue, 2010, Sharon Siamon, Walrus Books, pp 79-80.
|
|
|
Post by Claire on Aug 15, 2017 12:51:52 GMT 1
Oh dear I haven't watched The Black Stallion film yet but it doesn't bode well !!! Kunuma, I also loved the first Incredible Journey film. I'll see if I can track it down somewhere cos I fancy watching it again and if I do will send it on. Don't worry about sending the books I've lent you back any time soon. Well done for finishing the challenge Garej
|
|
|
Post by susanb on Aug 15, 2017 16:13:02 GMT 1
Now I really enjoyed the Black Stallion book when I read it as a kid....I have NO memory of the breaking in, I just remember the boy and the horse on the island, which wasn't bad at all.....maybe I skimmed over the bad bits? Of course, to a kid, it was straight up wish-fulfillment...a fabulous horse just falling in your lap, and he only likes YOU, nobody else can ride him. Catnip for a 9 or 10 year old! The movie, on the other hand.....I'd have to go with brumby on this one, it is epically awful. The horse is pretty though
|
|
|
Post by garej on Aug 15, 2017 23:07:54 GMT 1
Thanks Claire and rallycairn.
I am enjoying reading so much that I started on Jill has two ponies (Fidra books edition ). Won't include it as part of the Summer Reading Challenge though in case for some reason I don't finish it as I don't want a frowny face as Jill doesn't deserve it!
|
|
|
Post by louise on Aug 16, 2017 21:33:26 GMT 1
I'm back from my hols now and managed to get through 3 of my official books plus an extra one. I really loved MY FAMILY AND OTHER ANIMALS, which I partly chose because it is set in Corfu and we were staying on the nearby island of Zakynthos (Zante). Durrell captures both the human and animal characters so well. It is a definite SMILEY and a contender for star book. It has been ages since I've read a Dick Francis book but I very much enjoyed ODDS AGAINST. Another SMILEY and potential star book. I still need to watch the film. My modern book, THE LOST PONY OF RIVERDALE exceeded my expectations. It was the classic girl captures and rescues wild horse story (as in Phantom Horse series and Jinny books). It was pretty good though and gets a SMILEY. As I didn't have my other chosen books with me, I ended up reading APPALOOSA SUMMER by TUDOR ROBINS, a freebie Kindle book. It was OK and I would give it a NEUTRAL face (if it isn't too much trouble to add to my list). I'm now reading The Hermit's Horse before taking on The Last Baronet.
|
|
|
Post by rallycairn on Aug 17, 2017 1:02:19 GMT 1
Sounds like you got in plenty of reading during your vacation, Louise -- always a good thing!
|
|
|
Post by haffyfan on Aug 17, 2017 14:18:56 GMT 1
Can i have a smiley for Who, Sir, Me, sir?please. Had forgotten how 'fun' this one is. Bit different from most of her other stuff but her usual quality characters. I also managed to find half the tv series on you tube, can't find first 3 episodes but i'll try and add the final 3 if anyone else wants to watch. Philip Schofield in the broom cupboard, not to mention a fair few familiar faces in the show.
Given up on Join up for now but might try again at another point.
|
|
|
Post by susanb on Aug 17, 2017 19:39:36 GMT 1
I'd never have thought of looking for the series, Haffy, thanks for posting...I'll definitely be checking them out!
I'm reading They Died in the Spring by JPT now, good so far!
|
|
|
Post by susanb on Aug 17, 2017 19:43:16 GMT 1
|
|
|
Post by Claire on Aug 19, 2017 0:06:02 GMT 1
Thanks for the youtube links to Who Sir Me Sir TV series haffy. Love the book but never saw the TV show, probably because I was 16 at the time it was on TV and gadding about getting up to mischief instead of watching kid's programmes!
|
|
|
Post by garej on Aug 21, 2017 1:17:47 GMT 1
Murder Strikes Pink is available as a ebook now susanb.
Also They Died in the spring is currently free. Gin and Murder is currently 99p.
|
|
|
Post by susanb on Aug 21, 2017 2:34:42 GMT 1
Yea! Bought it, thanks for posting garaj
|
|
|
Post by tintin on Aug 21, 2017 13:21:59 GMT 1
Neutral face for
The Black Stallion (Film)
Will start book soon
Despite the incredible photography, one of the most beautifully made films I have ever seen (and the fact that the boy's mother was one of the most beautiful ladies I've ever seen in my life) the film just did n't seem to click with me. It lacked something, and I don't know what it was - perhaps it was too far fetched for me to engage with. Perhaps because I felt the boy was being exploited by the trainers (I did n't like the scene where he was left frozen solid on the motor running board), perhaps a horse running with a bleeding leg, however superficial the wound, which I thought was teaching bad lessons
If it had n't been so fantastically made (the ship wreck was one of the most enthralling night marish things I've seen on film and you have to admire the attention to detail that employs a snake trainer)it might have got a frowny face.
I await the book with interest
|
|
|
Post by haffyfan on Aug 21, 2017 20:19:19 GMT 1
Thanks for the heads up on those books Susan and garej, managed to snag both whilst free. Have to say i'm glad to see other people are not enjoying the black stallion film, for a child who was totally pony obsessed (still am!) i couldn't bear it! have never read the books, it was to me seriously that bad! I have just finished the Milkman's cob, read it years ago but had barely remembered any of it. Bit cliched but did have a certain charm so a Smiley please. Currently reading this one, which i may swap as my recent release if okay. Think it would make an interesting group read maybe and was a chance find the other day. Noel and Henry self published fanfiction with approval/permission from Christine's daughter. I won't add any spoilers! www.amazon.co.uk/After-Pony-Club-Naomi-Jessica-ebook/dp/B073P7RSB6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1503342211&sr=8-3&keywords=naomi+jessica+rose
|
|
|
Post by rallycairn on Aug 22, 2017 3:48:58 GMT 1
Well, as long as Noel and Henry are together, I'm in! lol
|
|
|
Post by susanb on Aug 23, 2017 19:54:17 GMT 1
Finished my last book! I'd give They Died in the Spring a neutral face. While it had some good bits, it was more muddled and less enjoyable than Gin and Murder. Hoping that she was back on form for Murder Strikes Pink, the last book in the trilogy!
|
|
|
Post by Claire on Aug 24, 2017 19:58:01 GMT 1
Yes that sounds like a really good idea for the Autumn group read. I'm not really a lover of fanfic so I may be a bit critical but couldn't miss out the chance on catching up with Noel and Henry again.
|
|
|
Post by Claire on Aug 24, 2017 20:33:45 GMT 1
Have just done another update of the web page. Well done Susan for completing the challenge. Haffy, I've popped your list on the bottom of the page. Not sure if I've got it all, I've swapped your modern book as requested. If you want to add anything let me know asap and I'll finalise it next update. I've started on End of Watch by Stephen King (non-pony!) Its the 3rd in a trilogy, read the other two which were OK but they never really grabbed me as most of his other books do. This one seems to be shaping up a bit more interesting. I may have to swap one of my books as I cannot find Dark Horse by Christine Dickenson anywhere !!! Also started to watch The Racing Game, which I have to confess to being a bit disappointed in, after hearing others' comments on it. I'll persevere and hope it improves.
|
|
|
Post by haffyfan on Aug 25, 2017 11:53:09 GMT 1
Thanks Claire. Please can i add a couple if it's not too much trouble, purely as i'm probably more likely to read them than the Monica Edwards. Just a Groom By Laurie Twizel and Jockey girl by Shelley Peterson.
Can After The Pony Club have a Neutral smiley please, giving the benefit of doubt over a sad one. Join up is a sad face as i have tried a bit more but just can't get into it.
|
|
|
Post by brumby on Aug 28, 2017 4:53:26 GMT 1
Finished! Definitely give The Milkman's Cob a Smiley it was a reread for me but enjoyed it just as much the second time. Its funny because it would be very easy to scoff and say what are the chances of a cart horse becoming a really successful jumper? But having just read Harry & Snowman it just proves it can happen. Harry & Snowmwn was odds on for my star read until I tackled Led by the grey which deserves 100 smilies and is definitely my star readI absolutely loved it! Finished it at 3am this morning I actually bought it last year after the Summer Reading Challenge and hadn't got round to reading it, but its definitely now one of my favourites.
|
|
|
Post by haffyfan on Aug 28, 2017 21:47:16 GMT 1
Can i have a big smiley for Just a Groom please. Few mistakes/generally in need of editing/decent proof reader (like most self published kindle stuff) but just my cup of tea, looking forward to the sequel being published!
|
|
|
Post by tintin on Aug 30, 2017 18:45:22 GMT 1
Smiley face please for the book:-
The Black Stallion
Which it secured mainly by being better than the film
|
|