Something Old, New, Borrowed or Blue Quiz

Answer: Tom Sharpe

"Porterhouse Blue" was written by Tom Sharpe and first published in 1974. The book tells the story of the head porter, James Skullion, and the struggle between the traditions and new adaptations at the fictional college of Porterhouse, at Cambridge University.

In 1987 the novel was adapted into a series, consisting of 4 episodes, by the British television company Channel 4. The series starred David Jason as the main character James Skullion.

The sequel, "Granchester Grind", was published in 1995.

Answer: Charles Dickens

"The Old Curiosity Shop" was written by Charles Dickens as a weekly serial, together with other short stories in his publication, "Master Humphrey's Clock", from 1840 to 1841. The book tells the story of a young teenage girl, Nell Trent, an orphan living with her grandfather at his shop, which sold "odds and ends". The book has a sad ending, Nell dies and her grandfather dies a few months later of a broken heart.

The other novel which was serialised in "Master Humphrey's Clock", was "Barnaby Rudge". Dickens used his pseudonym 'Boz' when writing "Master Humphrey's Clock".
"The Old Curiosity Shop" was published as a book in 1841 and was read by Queen Victoria.

Answer: Lucy Maud Montgomery

"Emily of New Moon" was first published in 1923, and was the first in the series about an orphan, Emily Byrd Starr, who lived on Prince Edward Island with her aunts, following the death of her father from tuberculosis. Her mother had died several years earlier.

Lucy Maud Montgomery authored "Ann of Green Gables", published in 1908, which was also set on Prince Edward Island.

Answer: Robert Goddard

Robert Goddard is an English novelist who was born 13th November 1954 in Hampshire. His first novel, "Past Caring", was a best seller in 1986. The novel "Borrowed Time" was published in 1995. It tells the story of Robin Timariot, who is walking in the Welsh Borders when he meets an Englishwoman, who, a few days later, is found raped and murdered. Timariot is not a suspect but there are several twists and turns, a man is charged and convicted, but events aren't as they seem.

Since writing this novel, Robert Goddard has penned more than 20 novels, the last one to date being "This is the Night They Come For You", in 2022.

Answer: Dr. Seuss

"One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" was first published in 1960 and since its publication more than 6 million copies of the book have been sold. The book relates to two children, Jay and Kay, and involves them visiting strange worlds and meeting odd characters. The book teaches children about acceptance, everyone being necessary in life no matter how different they are.

Dr Seuss, whose birth name is Theodor Seuss Geisel, was born on the 2nd March 1904 in the United States of America. He initially was an illustrator and cartoonist for both Vanity Fair and Life magazines. Dr Seuss's first book for children, "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street", was published in 1937.

Answer: Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott is perhaps best known for her novels "Little Women" and "Little Men".

"An Old Fashioned Girl" was first written as serial for the "Merry Museum" magazine and consisted of just 6 chapters. A further 13 chapters were written and it became a book in 1869. The main character is Polly Milton, a country girl, who at 14 years old, goes to visit her friend, Fanny Shaw, in the city every year. Polly isn't used to such a flamboyant lifestyle. In later years she teaches music in the city and helps the Shaw family find peace after they fall on hard times.

Answer: Aldous Huxley

"Brave New World" was first published in 1932. It is set in the future and relates to a society called 'World State', children are 'conditioned' from a young age not to have emotions or be themselves and there are no relationships as 'everyone belongs to everyone else'.

Aldous Leonard Huxley was born in England on 26th July 1894. He died on 22nd November 1963, as did the author C.S Lewis. The assassination of John F Kennedy on this date dominated the headlines. Aldous Huxley moved, with his family, to Hollywood in the United States of America, in 1937. In 1959 he turned down a Knighthood from the Macmillan government in the United Kingdom, giving no reason for declining the honour.

Answer: Paula Fox

Paula Fox, an American author, was born on 22nd April 1923 in New York; she died on 1st March 2017. The book "Borrowed Finery" was published in 2001 and is a memoir of her difficult childhood. Paula was left in an orphanage when she was born but her parents soon reappeared. She didn't have a loving childhood with them and was subsequently sent to live with various relatives in New York, Cuba and California.

Paula Fox authored both adult and children's books. She received the Newbery Award in 1974 for her children's book, "The Slave Dancer". Paula Fox is the grandmother of musician Courtney Love.

Answer: Jane Hissey

"Old Bear" was written and illustrated by the British Author, Jane Hissey. It tells the story of how an old, much loved teddy bear is lost and eventually found, and the attempts to 'rescue' him from the attic by other toys. It was published in 1986, the first in the "Old Bear and Friends" book series.

The books were adapted into an animated television series, "Old Bear Stories", in the United kingdom and consisted of three series, which were also created by Jane Hissey. She received a BAFTA for the series.

Answer: James Patterson

"Violets are Blue", written by James Patterson, was first published in 2001. The book features Detective Alex Cross and the plot surrounds the murder of two joggers in San Francisco. The preceding book, "Roses are Red", saw the introduction of the 'mastermind' of these crimes.

James Patterson, an American author, has won numerous awards for his thrillers, including the Edgar award. He has collaborated with several authors including former US President, Bill Clinton, who was a co-author of "The President is Missing", published in 2018.