The Mystery of the Island - Isobel Knight

[Rob Houghton]

If it's not allowed we can all discuss gender issues on some other thread instead perhaps?

[Tony Summerfield]

Yes, I was going to suggest the same, Rob - if we have a readathon of a non-Blyton book, it can always stay here in the Other Authors section. It can't be any worse than having discussions on favourite brands of tea!

Never was a truer word spoken, I find it a bit irksome when I have spent several weeks putting a Journal together and find that some who receive it would rather post in a thread about tea! The only pity about a readathon on Mystery of the Island is that I don't actually have a copy myself, but it sounds like a good idea to me and it is far more relevant than many of the threads on this forum, so you have my blessing.

[Rob Houghton]

Thanks Tony!

I must admit I also find it a bit irksome, especially when a thread I've been contributing to suddenly changes direction and I keep getting notifications, only to find it's now about fountain pens, tea, bread, the weather, or what colour socks we are wearing - those posts always get the most replies...I guess they're easy to reply to!

[Courtenay]

I'm wearing black socks (because I'm on shift at work later today). And drinking Lavender Earl Grey again.

Seriously, though - thanks, Tony.

[Rob Houghton]

Lavender Earl Grey! . You Aussies are so posh! Hope you're drinking it from a billy can! Me being a common Brummie I only drink co-op '99' tea.

[Courtenay]

It's Kentish Lavender Earl Grey, thank you very much - made by the biggest lavender farm in England, just a few miles from where I live.

Getting back on topic, I hope to have my copy of The Mystery of the Island within the next day or two. Should we set an official readathon start date, since we have Tony's permission, or should we wait until the Rockingdown readathon is over, so as not to clash with that? I don't mind having two different books on the go if I have to, but I'd prefer to do one at a time.

[Tony Summerfield]

I have just bought a copy of the book from Peakirk Books, the Blackie hardback as I thought the picture on the front looked a bit like Kirrin Island in the background. Always nice to buy from one of the EB Day dealers, we had a good chat on the phone.

[Rob Houghton]

I know my work is done when I persuade our Leader to buy a book he's never owned before! The Blackie cover is a nice one - much nicer than the other covers I think. I have the Blackie version, with the plates by Lindsay W Cable - but unfortunately mine doesn't have a DW. ...mind you, it only cost me 10p from a charity shop!!

I don't mind when we start a readathon. Maybe it would be better after Rocking Down...but I don't mind. How many would be interested in a readathon who now have/will soon be getting a copy?

There's another nice reasonably priced copy here, by the way -

http://www.abebooks.co.uk/MYSTERY-ISLAN ... 7205694/bd

[Moonraker]

I must admit I also find it a bit irksome, especially when a thread I've been contributing to suddenly changes direction and I keep getting notifications, only to find it's now about fountain pens, tea, bread, the weather, or what colour socks we are wearing

Lavender Earl Grey! . You Aussies are so posh! Hope you're drinking it from a billy can! Me being a common Brummie I only drink co-op '99' tea.

Looks like you are now guilty of committing the crime you accuse others of, Rob!

[Moonraker]

Yes, I was going to suggest the same, Rob - if we have a readathon of a non-Blyton book, it can always stay here in the Other Authors section. It can't be any worse than having discussions on favourite brands of tea!

Never was a truer word spoken, I find it a bit irksome when I have spent several weeks putting a Journal together and find that some who receive it would rather post in a thread about tea!

Precisely the point I was making in my Journal 57 post.

[Rob Houghton]

I must admit I also find it a bit irksome, especially when a thread I've been contributing to suddenly changes direction and I keep getting notifications, only to find it's now about fountain pens, tea, bread, the weather, or what colour socks we are wearing

Lavender Earl Grey! . You Aussies are so posh! Hope you're drinking it from a billy can! Me being a common Brummie I only drink co-op '99' tea.

Looks like you are now guilty of committing the crime you accuse others of, Rob!

I was joining in with everyone else! I know were all guilty of it and it keeps threads lively - but occasionally it is a bit irksome when a 'serious' or interesting topic turns into a discussion on tea, even if I might join in, lol!

[Courtenay]

I was only doing it for a lark, precisely because Rob brought up the topic of going off topic. Anyway, we all know Nigel only ever wants to discuss tea if it's pure Ceylon, none of that scented pretentious rubbish.

[Courtenay]

I now have a copy of The Mystery of the Island! (Still waiting for The Rockingdown Mystery from a different seller - even though I bought it a day earlier than Island and the seller is in the neighbouring county - but never mind.)

I'll start reading it today and at least let you all know my first impressions, without any spoilers for the others who haven't read it yet.

[Rob Houghton]

that arrived fast!

I just hope you enjoy it! I'm going into hiding!

[Anita Bensoussane]

Robert, I'm sure you're aware of the forums rule number 5,126 :

If you recommend a book to someone but they don't like it, they have the right to take a book of their choice (Blyton or non-Blyton) from your personal collection - even such gems as a signed first edition or anything illustrated by Betty Maxey. After all, people must be recompensed for the time and money they invested - not to mention the crushing disappointment they experienced.

Having said that, The Mystery of the Island sounds very promising!