I adore the "Adrian Mole" books

[LostinVA]

I mean, I LOVE THEM!!!!! It's scary to think that I've been reading them in "real time," as Adrian grows up and (kinda, but thankfully not wholly) matures.

[Parrcrow]

1. I think they're great too

did you see the British TV version of the first two books?

[LostinVA]

2. No, I know they did them, but I didn't know if they

were available in the US. I know the woman who played Ross' English wife on "Friends" plays Pandora, which seems odd casting to me. I see more of an Elizabeth Hurley type.

[CBHagman]

4. They ran the "Secret Diary" and "Growing Pains" in Buffalo.

I think Canadian TV ran them first and then PBS followed suit. I thought they were hilarious.

The first two books still make me laugh, and I loved Adrian Mole: The Lost Years. Frankly, it's just as good as the first two books.

I didn't much care for Adrian Mole: The Capuccino Years, though. It seemed slapped together.

By the way, you've got to love any series that pokes fun at the Tories AND Labour. I think it's The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole that covers Adrian's attempts to study for his O-levels while an election campaign is going on.

On edit: Here's the IMDB entry for the original series:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088604/

I forgot Steven Mackintosh was in it. I've been really impressed with him in other films and TV shows.

[LostinVA]

6. There's another one that came out last Spring

I don't think it's out here, yet, but a friend in the UK sent it to me. That one was also really good!

[LostinVA]

7. OMG! Lulu AND Julie Walters?!

[CBHagman]

9. Yeah, how's that for casting?

For those who are not familiar with the Adrian Mole books and the TV series, the actress Julie Walters (Educating Rita, the Harry Potter series, etc.) played Adrian's feminist mother, Pauline, in the first series, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole. The part was recast in the second series, The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole, and actress/singer Lulu (To Sir with Love) took over as Pauline. I think Julie Walters was an inspired bit of casting, and Lulu was no slouch either, as I recall.

And Beryl Reid played Adrian's grandmother. Steven Mackintosh (Prime Suspect, Different for Girls, Our Mutual Friend, London Kills Me, etc.) played his best pal, Nigel, who, when asked if he was heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual, answered that he was all three!

[Pithlet]

3. I loved them.

I read the first two years ago. If you liked them you might enjoy The Secret Fruit of Peter Paddington, (titled "Fruit" in Canada) by Brian Francis. It's sweet, and hilarious.

[LostinVA]

5. I haven't heard of that! Thanks.

[khashka]

8. I love 'em too.

The first one is the best IMO.

He's so clueless and so sure of his superiority.

Reading Jane Austen and thinking her quite good but she should write something more modern.

All the Norwegian Leather Industry poetry.

Not realizing that the woman next door is a lesbian or that his mother is having an affair.

Telling his grandmother about all the bad things his parents have done.

Priceless humour.

Khash.

[bif]

10. Spots!