I’ve been living in the future, hopelessly entangled in a story set in 2021 by author P.D. James. I finished the novel last night and when I closed the book, I felt regret. While I love finishing a book, often, I hate to reach the end of a well-written novel like Children of Men.
Although my friend, Diane, has recommended the author P.D. James to me for years, this was the first novel by her that I’ve read. (And it’s not even in the typical murder-mystery genre that James normally employs. Now I look forward to reading one of the P.D. James books on my shelves.) But I read this book because I saw the movie. I saw the movie because I suspected it would be nominated for some awards. (I was right.)
I was unsatisfied with the movie, however, and so I turned to the book. As it turns out, the plot and happenings in the book have very little in common with the movie. I wondered if P.D. James is disheartened when she sees her novel transformed into a story on the screen which is entirely unlike her book. The book was so much better than the movie. (They always are, aren’t they?)
(I found an interesting article in the New York Times which compares the two.)
Anyway, the book is over for me, but I offer it to you. Leave a comment and I’ll choose a winner by random drawing on Monday. If you win, you can Paypal me a couple of bucks for shipping or not. It’s up to you. (Sending books by media mail is cheap.)
[Oh, and let me just remind you to visit my other blog, The Amazing Shrinking Mom every day. Even if you don’t read it all (not everyone cares about weight issues, I know), my bosses over there take note of ever click, if you know what I mean, and so I’d be very grateful for your support.]
Actual Unretouched Photo 
Which book was it? I’ve never read anything by her but own two or three. I wondered if I already had it.
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I’ve read quite a few of her mysteries, and her autobiography, which was fascinating. She’s a good writer.
Amanda at Wittingshire wrote an interesting post on CofM a number of months ago. It sounds like a pretty serious book.
James’ comments on it in her autobiography were quite interesting, too. I think she was proud of the book, even though it didn’t get the best reviews, at the time it came out.
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I love to read and have found that I have never liked watching the movie after reading the book because they rarely play out the way I had imagined them in my head.
I received a couple of book store gift cards for Christmas (I always ask for them and get enough to buy books all year long) so I will buy myself this one because it sounds good.
Thanks for the recommendation.
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OK, I am in on this one. I usually just lurk, but I have never read any P.D. James.
Have you read any J.A. Jance books (which are usually conveniently located by the P.D. James books)?
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OK-I saw the preview for this movie and it looked very intriguing. However, I am weary of most movies these days as they seem to fall short of their previews. It seems that this movie is one of those cases. I didn’t realize there was a book, though. I love to read and most of the books I read are ones that are suggested to me. So, please throw my name into your hat and maybe I’ll come out the lucky winner.
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An author I haven’t read yet. The movie looked very interesting, so I’m game for the book 😉
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OK, Mel. I’m in on this one. PD James.
I’ve been missing my nighttime blog reading, so didn’t get in on the “what are you reading” question. I have just finished Randy Alcorn’s “Deadline.” I often find Christian fiction a little less well written, but there is fascinating stuff in that book. Have just checked out his “Edge of Eternity” from the library.
And the comment about injuries sustained during the night — one of your memorable lines, like the “no cookie . . .” one. And odd that I was awakened one morning this week with the whole side of my head hurting. Not a headache — it felt like a muscle. The previous day I had actually managed to work in some of the arm movements of a dance aerobic routine and then did some weight training with dumbbells. But for crying out loud, I was only using 2-pound weights, and had done that routine before, and felt better afterwards. (I do have a neck injury that’s probably coming into play here, since I’m still dealing with the pain that comes and goes.)
Oops, sorry for the lo-o-ng comment. Just trying to get caught up, I guess. I’ll go be quiet now.
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I have never heard of that author, but will take your word for it that it was a good book. By the way – I am a daily “clicker” at your other website…..
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Me! Me! Pick me!!!
I deliberately did NOT see the movie cause I wanted to read the book first but just haven’t gotten around to ordering it.
I would LOVE to read it.
I have read plenty of other P.D. James but not this one. She is a great author.
Also, I am like you, I hate to end a great read. But I love it when they stay with me.
~K!
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Growing up I was always reading something. My neighborhood friends would tease me about sitting in the air conditioned house reading books all day. I loved being outside too but I was always reading something. Now that I’m all grown up and have kids of my own, I encourage them to read but find myself not reading so much anymore. I plan on changing that though.
I really enjoy your blog Mel!
Amelia
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I subscribe to Amazing Shrinking Mom on Bloglines and read it there. Do your bosses count that as a click?
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Books truly are better than the movie….if you read the book first. I saw “Gone With the Wind” before I read the book and of course it was completely different. Crossing fingers I’ll win the book so I have something new to read in bed. =o)
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Count me in! I’ll deffo pay you for shipping cuz it’ll be overseas. ~Mariah~
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I’ll throw my name into the hat. I love PD James.
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I haven’t read PD James, either. But I’m always looking for new authors to get hooked on.
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Man,,,I missed it! I am going to punish myself now for losing my dial up and getting behind on this blog…….ok, so I’m not going to iron my hands or anything, but I will surely keep up this time !!
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I’d love to have a chance to read this. This is a fun idea; I think I’ll cull through my book collection for a few to give way.
BTW, I read the your other blog daily and I just love it. I’m part of the Diet Naked Team, as Hope.
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