Matthew’s Comments (group member since Mar 08, 2015)

Matthew’s comments from the Reading List Completists group.

I will be doing both this and the other group selection (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks) on audio (just trying to finish up my last audiobook!)

Since I am buddy reading this one with you guys, I am planning to focus most of my audio time on the Henrietta book so that I don't get too far ahead on the Manson book (audiobooks definitely go much faster for me - I finished what was a 900 page book on audiobook in less than a week earlier this year!)

This book starts today!

I am still working on this - it is good, but it has not been my reading priority this month. So, the July book is now the July/August book for me!

Matthew wrote: "August is the anniversary month of the Tate murders - so, appropriate read for this month."

August 8–9, 1969

August is the anniversary month of the Tate murders - so, appropriate read for this month.

This will be our Completest Group Read for August 2018

Reminder, this Helter Skelter Buddy Read begins tomorrow. Feel free to join in!

Jessica wrote: "I did lose a lot of my compassion for Dagny. I understand her frustrations working with incompetent, short-sighted, loud people getting their way... But her preoccupation with profit as sole motivation is a bit much."

I believe this is one of the main ideas in the book that follow Rand's beliefs and causes people to pan the book. I didn't find it to be too extreme, but many feel that the ideas are oppressive.

Glenda wrote: "I'm about 220 pages in and I'm enjoying it so far as well. It's much more accessible than I thought it would be. "

The accessibility also surprised me a lot. Doesn't read like a big, scary book! :)

Jessica wrote: "I feel I might be the only one reading it... But it's actually rather good. It is a bit demoralizing to have had a great reading spurt and to then see only 1-2% progress on the goodreads meter thou..."

I read this years ago so I am keeping my eyes out for discussion! :)

Sorry to hear that about the audio. Scott Brick is one of my favorite narrators, so I am sad to hear this delivery is not working for you.

Greetings - Ginger and I will be buddy reading Helter Skelter in August 2018. Feel free to join in!

I have not seen Helter Skelter on any of our lists, but I don't tend to see non-fiction on the lists. But, I think it is agreed by the majority that this book and In Cold Blood are the granddaddies of True Crime books.

Michael wrote: "Good luck Matthew. I really hated that book. It is relatively inaccurate. There was a book of the same title in Japanese by Inoué which was far better and historically accurate. For me, the author ..."

Luckily, in this case, I don't know a lot about the topic so at least I won't be frustrated with any inaccuracies. I suppose a lot will depend on how I like the book overall. In the past I have been forgiving of inaccuracies if it was good otherwise.

Only 30 pages in - I like the writing. character opinion not formed yet!

Jessica wrote: "I will be reading it for the first time too! It was very hard to find a copy, none of the regular libraries I visit had it in stock. I had to use my University Library privileges (I work at a Unive..."

While substantial, I was glad when I read it to find it to be not too much of a slog

Discuss Part 3 - A Is A here

Discuss Part 2 - Either-Or here

Discuss Part 1 - Non-Contradiction here

Glenda wrote: "This is another one of those classics I've had on my to-read shelf for years; I bought my copy in the early '90's and finally started it this evening! I am curious how many are rereading it or if t..."

I have read it before and it is a favorite of mine, but I don't think I will be re-reading it at this time.

It tends to elicit controversy so it will be interesting to see how discussion goes!

This book starts now!

Discuss the July 2018 poll winner here