One of my long time interests is reading books about T. E. Lawrence, currently I am re-reading "The secret Lives Of Lawrence of Arabia" by Phillip Knightly and Colin Simpson. I was looking for the motivation and ambition Lawrence had in Arabia. This is a fine book.

In the early seventies I discovered Joseph Conrad, the Polish born writer. I read "The heart Of Darkness", which I've since found out has a good reputation in literary circles. What fascinated me most was that a person not born in the U.K. could have such a mastery of the English language.

I proceeded to find out all I could about him. It turned out to be a long and on going story. How he was taught at home, which says a lot for one to one teaching. I am now reading the rest of his novels, having read "Almayers Folly", I have recently read "The Rover". If you like a passionate story along with adventure and historic fact, they are all in here!

So have you!

Recent success: Mr D M Johnson of Southampton has had his book of humorous short stories, entitled "Laughter & Tears" published by Minerva Press at £9.99. If you would like a really good laugh this book is a must. One story is about an unidentified flying object. Have you seen one of these? Have you got a story to tell? Mr Johnson saved his varied stories for years and then decided the time was ripe to go ahead and publish them! He is now working on stories for children. Remember nothing ventured nothing gained.

Books to read for discussion "The Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad and "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens. This novel has a very good rounded plot with many shocks and surprises. We can discuss Steven King too, who has the kind of writing that seems as if the guy is just chatting to you. Such imagination!