Sarah J.

I never read those as a child, but am interested to now after all this discussion. I also agree with indiepanda: JK Rowling has definitely opened up the world of books and reading to a generation which is plagued by computer games, MP3's and other techie gadgets. I remember when books were really the only escape from reality (aside from television)available to me. I am, however, a big fan of the canon. Having studied canonical literature, for a long time it was all I read. Nobody should feel they have to read the 'big names' of the canon, but there are some true gems in there that open us up to a lesson in history that is genuinely enjoyable. Adam Bede by George Elliot, for example, was a very controversial book for it's time (I recommend it :) ) But, we all have our preferences, and I can understand why people don't generally gravitate towards classical novels.

Nicely done too (in reference to your quote) RosieH! I was smiling when I read it :)

I agree with your point. This is true of film too. We are all influenced by what we have read and see before. SO it is very difficult, almost near to impossible, to have a completely original thought or idea for a story. I do think, though, that there is being influenced, and heavily relying on other people's work.

"I do seem to have been posting things no EDF more than I have been working" Oh goodness! See, that's what I get for doing my work whilst posting on here!!

Goodness! This Sarah does seem to have been a popular figure of the aforementioned evening! I'm starting to wish it was me!

Thanks Sean! But, no...different Sarah...popular name ;-) Hmm, reflecting on the morning, I do seem to have been posting things no EDF more than I have been working.... oh well, this is far more interesting and productive in my present state of mind :))

Keef, don't feel bad.......so do I! :-$ SJ

Keef has the right idea!

Thank you! I'll rick taking a look now whilst I am at work ;-) SJ

I am in bed by 10ish every night, up by 5:30am. But never seem to sleep until 11pm! I wish I could get 8 hours a night! I therefore don't know if I need it or not!

Re: Harry Potter Clever plagiarism at it's best....seek out all the slight variations on words, phrases, and characters from Lord Of The Rings, Star Wars and Narnia to name but a few. It seems unfair. Wrong, even.

I completely agree with Izodia. As you get older, you start feeling more comfortable with yourself, no matter what your imperfections. As much as I would love to say that I am satisfied with my life, I know that I never will be 100%, so I just try to do the best with what I have, and I go looking for the things that I want. I feel fairly lucky; I have travelled a lot, studied overseas, I have a lovely family back home, and am now living in London again. I don't have a boyfriend, nor do I have the job that I want, but that is what keeps me going. If I had everything I wanted, I'd always find something else to try and obtain.... While having one of my "oh god my life is going nowhere" moments, a friend of mine told me, "Life is about the pursuit of happiness"... and it's true. I'm still discovering new pursuits every day that put a smile on my face.

I was wondering if anyone has recently read something genuinely thought provoking and entertaining recently? I am always stuck when I go looking for something to read. I see so many books that I would love to dive into, but can never settle on just one as the information contained in the outline given is never unbiased (after all, the publisher wants to sell copies!) Any suggestions? SJ

Quantity

I just read your post, and I can assimilate with your situation. The difference is that I am one of those "20 somethings" that you refer to whom supposedly has everything sorted out! I think that the thing you have to take into consideration is that most 20 somethings do have an idea of what they want, but they either change their mind before they're into their thirties, or life changes it for them! The world has too many variables in it to be able to stay on our own self-determined path: I know that's true of me. I had everything planned out. I had a 5 and 10 year plan; aside from some small events and achievements, those plans have been blown out of the water. Don't feel too bad; we're human beings, we are supposed to travel in all sorts of different directions. Something I try to keep in mind is: Life is not about the destination, it's the paths you choose to go down to get there that count. Collective experiences make for a varied, interesting and full life. Embrace who you are and to hell with categorising yourself because you are in a certain demographic. Hope that helped! S

Miles, I got told the same thing; well, something similar anyway. "Join EDF, and come along for drinks." Perhaps I shall see you at the next social gathering. PS: I think that people put too much emphasis on "finding" someone and forget that looking for them is the best part. How else are you to know how lucky you are when you finally do come across the right one?