An exchange of letters between an broke American journalist, Helene Hanff, and the bookshop in London which supplies her needs. She loves classic English literature, and is thrilled to find a shop which will source and supply her 'list' of books, second hand and therefore affordable.
The book is set after the Second World War, so rationing is in force. Helene sends food parcels and lively letters when she orders her books, and becomes a close and valued friend to all the staff in the shop- and their families.
This is not a sentimental book, although touching at times.
I have read it endless times, borrowed from libraries, and have finally bought my own copy.
I will not lend it out, because I have lost previous copies this way.

Read it. You will love it!

This is one of a series. Each one looks a a number of classic, or at least well known novels, and discusses the plot holes, trying to offer a solution. They are all well argued, brief and very entertaining. I am often embarressed not to have noticed the gaps in favourite novels. and ususally agree with the proposed solution.

The boy and his father both loved this! Great fun, and seems to be robust enough to survive a small boy.

Excellent. Reflection on the days readings. Only drawback is that it does not include Sundays- obviously expecting these to be the sermon topic at church. Like many churches, mine has its own way of doing things, and we do not follow the lectionary,

Bought on a 12 year olds recommendation. If you have not bought any of the Hunger Games trilogy- do so immediately. Suitable for adults and literate and intelligent children

I had no idea what this was, but it was the gift my 9 year old god child wanted. i was suprised when it arrived- although a lovely object, it seemed a bit adult for her-- but she loves it and it has pride of place in her room.

He put it on as soon as I gave it to him, over what he was wearing- and has hardly taken it off since. I think he approves!

E. F. Bensons 6 'Lucia' and 'Mapp' books are wonderful. Funny, sharp, witty, a delight, they reveal the seething undercurrents in Tilling and Riseholme, two villages filled with a range of eccentric middle class people. They need to be read- it is impossible to desribe them.
Bensons work is high camp, hardly suprising given his childhood and family.

This novel is a an attempt to to extend the series. Tom Holt does a fabulous job. He is almost as good as the real thing, and for the most part, I forgot this was not one of Bensons.

Josephine Tey is a wonderful writer. A sharp, clear and intelligent style.
She introduces Miss Pym in a few pages, but we feel we have always known her. Set in the 1940's, a middle aged and overlooked spinster becomes famous by writing a book.
She is invited by an old and much admired friend to lecture to the students at a college of physical training. She becomes involved in the life of the college and in a totally unexpected crime. She solves the mystery but there is a moral dilemma.
I was most struck by the way the students are treated- they are late teens early twenties, but are seen as children by their teachers.

I heard Frank Scheaffer speak at the Greenbelt Festival and found him open, honest and witty. I bought the book and have read it in 2 days. I really could not put it down. His honesty about himself, his mistakes, and his life as the child of American Evangelical leaders makes this a book well worth reading. Anyone who wants to understand the American political and religious right should read this warm, compassionate and gripping book. Even as the story of an extraordanary and eccentric upbringing, it is a must read.