Luann’s Comments (group member since Apr 26, 2008)

Luann’s comments from the Dick Francis Reading Group group.

Tim wrote: "just finished reading Bolt"

Break In and Bolt are two of my top favorite Dick Francis mysteries. It's been too long since I've read one, though! I still have a few of the Felix books to catch up on.

Thanks, Helle. That helps me want to read his latest ones even more.

I recently read Madeleine L'Engle Herself: Reflections on a Writing Life and was very pleased to read this in part where she talked about what she likes to read:

“I also read English murder mysteries. Dick Francis writes about horse racing. I couldn’t care less about horse racing; however, Francis deals with decency in human nature, and not many writers deal with decency anymore. Then of course I always go back to my great old favorites—Marjorie Allingham, Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Josephine Tey—because good books are worth reading any number of times."

I need to give Felix a second chance! It isn't that I didn't like the books, I think I just needed to let some time pass so that I wouldn't constantly be comparing him to his father.

They weren't my favorite in the beginning, but that probably wasn't fair. He had such big shoes to fill! Now that some time has passed, I need to give them a second chance. I read the first chapter of one of the newest to come out and thought it seemed like it would be a great read.

Hi, Donna! I love your list of favorites - many of them are on my list of favorites, too. I need to do some re-reading! It's been too long since I've sat down with a Dick Francis book.

Felix posted this yesterday on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100038914165...

Wow, Jo! A lot of books! Do you have the entire Dick Francis collection and they're each one signed? If so, that is quite the collection!

Carol wrote: "Where do we get guidelines and schedule of what is being read???"

Hi, Carol! We haven't really had a reading schedule or set discussions for quite a few years now. If there is interest, I'd be willing to do it, though!

Felix posted the following on Facebook this morning:

Dear Friends, Fans and Followers in the US,
Your wait is finally over!!
GUILTY NOT GUILTY goes on sale today in the United States!!
For some reason, my American publishers are being lukewarm about offering me a contract for the next two books. Perhaps they are waiting to see how GUILTY NOT GUILTY fares. So please, can you all do me a favor – please order online today or go out and buy/order a copy of GUILTY NOT GUILTY from your local bookstore. Better still, buy one for yourself and also another copy to give away to someone for Christmas who hasn’t yet discovered the excitement of a Francis thriller. It might make the difference between more of my books being available in the US or not.
Much love to you all, Felix

Go follow Felix on Facebook to see the picture of Felix with James Patterson holding a copy of Guilty Not Guilty.

Have any of you read it yet? I haven't had a chance yet.

Li'l Owl wrote: "Hi all!
Just wanted to tell you that there is a new book available for pre-order by Felix Francis!
Crisis
will be released on October ..."

Thanks for letting us know, Li'l Owl! I still need to read his last book. I have a bit of trouble mustering up much enthusiasm, although once I start reading one, I do enjoy it.

I was asked to post this. It's a quick and easy survey about your reading of Dick Francis books:

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I would like to ask the reading group of Dick Francis´s books if they could answer some questions about them in a short questionnaire.

As I write in the introduction, I will use their anonymous answers in my university literature thesis, so their answers are very important to me.

The link to the survey is : https://www.survio.com/survey/d/A6U2C6R1N3J1H5J8E

My address is : zlatka.ujezd@gmail.com

I´d be very grateful if you could make this survey available in your Dick Francis reading group. Many thanks, and do not hesitate to contact me if needed.

Zlatka Hruba
Student and teacher of English and Geography
Czech Republic

Algernon wrote: "one of my favorites, from "Reflex"

Most people think, when they’re young, that they’re going to the top of their chosen world, and that the climb up is only a formality. Without that faith, I sup..."

One of my favorites as well, Algernon. :)

Gareth wrote: "'I stood on the outside of disaster, looking in.'"

Nice quote, Gareth! I added it to the list of Dick Francis quotes.

That's great, Virginia! I enjoy them, too. They are the closest to a new Dick Francis we are ever going to get now.

Sasscer wrote: "His books were like friends that kept me from being lonely.

Love that!!

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I really enjoyed Refusal. It didn't hurt that I was in the mood for just that type of book. I've read mixed reviews from fans here on Goodreads. I'll read it again sometime and see if I still feel the same.

Welcome, David!

Sorry I haven't been around much. Life has been crazy!

Nice answers, Kit and Lorraine! I agree with you both.

Welcome to the group, Peregrina651!