Glens Falls (NY) Online Book Discussion Group discussion
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ABOUT BOOKS AND READING
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What are U reading these days? (PART NINE (2013) (ongoing thread for 2013)
message 451:
by
Joy H., Group Founder
(new)
May 03, 2013 08:33PM
Werner, what slows me down in my reading is my compulsion to copy the parts which resonate with me or which interest me in one way or another. Perhaps the habit started with me in college when all I did was take notes. :) Most of the time, when I look back at the notes I took years ago, I find that the words still appeal to me.
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My copy of Six-Gun Bride of the Teton Bunch, and Seven Other Action-Packed Stories of the Wild West by Les Savage Jr. arrived yesterday. I don't know when I'll get to it, though. I'm currently reading Shibumi, a mystery-thriller that I last read over 30 years ago, & Alas, Babylon which I read just a few years ago. The latter is with a group of friends who say they haven't read any SF & wanted to give it a try.
Joy, I usually do my reading while pedaling on a stationary bike. That cuts down on any impulses I might have to get up and try to take notes. :-)No hurry on the Savage book, Jim! Enjoy your reading --Alas, Babylon is a great contribution to the tradition of post-apocalyptic fiction.
Werner: I can't imagine reading while pedaling on a stationary bike. What do you use to hold the book in place? We have an old stationary bike in our garage. I might give your idea a try one of these days. (Don't hold your breath! LOL)
Jim, the title, Alas, Babylon, is very familiar to me but I've never read it. I browsed through a few GR reviews and found the following one by GR member, Michael Edwards. It seems like a good review:http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
At least it gave me a good idea of what the book is about.
The following review by GR member, Deellen, seems to be a "wake-up" call:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Thanks for calling my attention to the book. While I may not ever read it, at least my literary horizons have been widened. Now if I can only remember all this stuff! :)
Joy, when I read on the stationary bike, I simply hold the book in my hands as if I were seated on a chair. The bike has handlebars of sorts; but it's not necessary to grip them, since the unit isn't moving and doesn't need to be steered. It's not a regimine that would suit everybody, but I need exercise for weight maintenance and to metabolize excess cholesterol, and for me combining it with reading is a great way to multitask in the routine of typically busy days. :-)
Today there was a glowing review of John Le Carre's latest novel. Pretty good, considering he is eighty. I will quote a paragraph here in case anyone is interested in reading it. "john Le Carre has been churning out sy novels for more than 50 years. His latest the characteristically clever,"a Delicate Truth," suggests that in an era of stateless terrorists, politcally powerful defense contractors and war by remote control, his job is more complicated than ever." This review ends by saying he more than compensates for todays technical world and spies.
Werner wrote: "Joy, when I read on the stationary bike, I simply hold the book in my hands as if I were seated on a chair. The bike has handlebars of sorts; but it's not necessary to grip them, since the unit is..."Werner, you are an inspiration! Thanks!
Nina wrote: "Today there was a glowing review of John Le Carre's latest novel. Pretty good, considering he is eighty. I will quote a paragraph here in case anyone is interested in reading it. "john Le Carre has..."Thanks, Nina. Here's a link to the NY Times review:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/05/boo...
Le Carré’s Latest: A Delicate Truth by John le Carré
"This is John le Carré’s 23rd novel, and neither prolificacy nor age (he’s 81) has diminished his legendary and sometimes startling gift for mimicry. ... it’s the voices that give the characters in “A Delicate Truth” their most immediate claim to three-dimensionality." ---NYTimes
You're welcome, Joy. (And whether you know it or not, your characteristic enthusiasm and boundless curiosity is a real inspiration to all of the rest of us!)
Werner wrote: "You're welcome, Joy. (And whether you know it or not, your characteristic enthusiasm and boundless curiosity is a real inspiration to all of the rest of us!)"I second that!
Joy, here's a quote for you in case you don't already have it."You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream." C.S. Lewis. I think he said lots of wise things, this among them.
Library Book Club is now reading "The Bird Artist" by Howard Norman. A "haunting novel begins in 1911." Takes place in Witless Bay in Newfoundland. Opening paragraph draws you in: "My name is Fabian Vas. I live in Witless Bay, Newfoundland. You would not have heard of me. Obscurity is not necessarily failure, though; I am a bird artist, and have more or less made a living at it. Yet I murdered the lighthouse keeper, Botho August, and that is an equal part of how I think of myself."
And I'm off to continue reading......
Werner wrote: "You're welcome, Joy. (And whether you know it or not, your characteristic enthusiasm and boundless curiosity is a real inspiration to all of the rest of us!)"Thank you so much, Werner. I never know if I'm on the right track but posts like yours are very reassuring. I just know that I'm doing what I like.
"Look, all you can do when you find your niche is go with it."
-Vincent D'Onofrio, American actor and film producer.
Nina wrote: "I second that!"Thanks, Nina! :)
Linda wrote: "Library Book Club is now reading "The Bird Artist" by Howard Norman. A "haunting novel begins in 1911." Takes place in Witless Bay in Newfoundland. Opening paragraph draws you in: "My name is F..."
Wow, Linda! That opening paragraph sure puts the hook in!
I think I'll put that book on my to-read list.
The Bird Artist by Howard Norman
PS-A GR review by Carla says:
==================================
""The Bird Artist" was nominated for the National Book Award in 1994 ... I thought the stark setting was beautifully evoked and the characters totally believable and interesting as individuals. The plot involves various forms of violence, transgressions, and anguish, but these are mostly recounted in a muted way. I found it a sad and bleak tale.
See the review at: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
==================================
I just finished Shibumi by Trevanian. Very good, 4 stars. He's the author that wrote The Eiger Sanction which was turned into a great movie with Clint Eastwood & George Kennedy. Here's my review:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Jim wrote: "I just finished Shibumi by Trevanian. Very good, 4 stars. He's the author that wrote The Eiger Sanction which was turned into a great movie with Clint Eastwood & George Kennedy. Here's my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... "Jim, thanks for the link to your review. I don't usually read or watch action/spy stories, but it's good to be aware of them just in case my interest might be sparked. Here's the IMDb link to the movie you mentioned, "The Eiger Sanction":
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072926/?...
It was interesting to read about the author, and how he chose the pen name, Trevanian. At his GR profile page (and also at Wiki) it says:
==============================================
"Trevanian" was the pen name of American author Dr. Rodney William Whitaker (1931-2005). He wrote in a wide variety of genres, achieved best-seller status, and published under several names, of which the best known was Trevanian. From 1972 to 1983, five of his novels sold more than a million copies each. He was described as "the only writer of airport paperbacks to be compared to Zola, Ian Fleming, Poe and Chaucer."
"Whitaker also published works as Nicholas Seare and Beñat Le Cagot. He published the non-fiction work: "The Language of Film" under his own name
"Born in Granville, New York..."
FROM: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
===================================================
FROM WIKI: "Whitaker said his wife chose the pen name Trevanian based on her appreciation of English historian G.M. Trevelyan" (Trevelyan).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevanian
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G.M._Tre...
Yes, he's an interesting author & really poured himself into his books. I described Shibumi as being cynical, but Trevanian said of his fans:"The Trevanian Buff is a strange and wonderful creature: an outsider, a natural elitist, not so much a cynic as an idealist mugged by reality, not just one of those who march to a different drummer, but the solo drummer in a parade of one."
The difference between an 'idealist mugged by reality' & a cynic is a pretty fine one, I think.
;-)
Just FYI, but not too long ago, Werner & I joined a fairly new group, The Book Review Exchange. It's basically just about sharing reviews on books. It seems to have attracted many very good reviewers & so is dangerously adding to my TBR pile.http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1...
I'm in the mood for something different, I chose The Illumination. Just started, but good already, I hope it continues.
I just finished, "A Week in Winter," by Maeve Binchy and I liked it. It seemed appropriate to be her last book before she died. Almost like she was wrapping up her last bit of writing.
Jim wrote: "... I described Shibumi as being cynical, but Trevanian said of his fans: 'The Trevanian Buff is a strange and wonderful creature: an outsider, a natural elitist, not so much a cynic as an idealist mugged by reality...' ... The difference between an 'idealist mugged by reality' & a cynic is a pretty fine one, I think. ;-) "Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist ." ---George Carlin
Jim wrote: "I just finished Shibumi by Trevanian. Very good, 4 stars. ... "Jim, you made me curious about the word "Shibumi". After finding various meanings, I think that, for me, the following sums it up best:
==============================================
"Shibui(adjective), shibumi (noun), or shibusa (noun) are Japanese words which refer to a particular aesthetic of simple, subtle, and unobtrusive beauty."
...
"Essentially, the aesthetic ideal of shibumi seeks out events, performances, people or objects that are beautiful in a direct and simple way, without being flashy."
FROM: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shibui
==============================================
PS-In the GR description of the book, Shibumi, the word is referred to as follows:
"a rare kind of personal excellence, a state of effortless perfection known only as shibumi."
Jim wrote: "Just FYI, but not too long ago, Werner & I joined a fairly new group, The Book Review Exchange. It's basically just about sharing reviews on books. It seems to have attracted many very good revie..."Jim and Werner: That sounds like an interesting approach to book discussions.
I'll check it out. Thanks.
You might find it an interesting group, Joy! I'm enjoying it, since writing and reading reviews is one of my favorite things to do on Goodreads.
I'm not positive if either Wikipedia or Trevanian got 'shibumi' right nor if I understood it correctly, Joy. The book added a perfection of utility - strength & purpose - to the definition & I like that idea, at least in the respect of the character.I loaned the book to a friend here at work who speaks some Japanese. His wife is a Japanese translator, so I'm hoping to discuss it more with him & get a better answer.
Jackie wrote: "I'm in the mood for something different, I chose The Illumination. Just started, but good already, I hope it continues."Jackie, sounds like a good mystery. I'm currently watching a DVD from Netflix called "Pie in the Sky". It's a British mystery/detective series. I'm enjoying the stories. The main character is not only an inspector on the police force but he also owns a restaurant and, as a gourmet, is obsessed with good food and drink. That makes for an interesting juxtaposition of themes and dialogue. Besides that, the cinematography and scenery are luscious!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106102/?...
Jim wrote: "I'm not positive if either Wikipedia or Trevanian got 'shibumi' right nor if I understood it correctly, Joy. The book added a perfection of utility - strength & purpose - to the definition & I lik..."Jim, I figured that Trevanian would extend the meaning of "Shibumi" to suit the book's main character. Interesting the way words evolve!
Werner wrote: "You might find it an interesting group, Joy! I'm enjoying it, since writing and reading reviews is one of my favorite things to do on Goodreads."And you write great reviews! :)
Nina wrote: "I just finished, "A Week in Winter," by Maeve Binchy and I liked it. It seemed appropriate to be her last book before she died. Almost like she was wrapping up her last bit of writing."Did you like it, Nina? A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy
Oops, I see that you did. :)
One GR reviewer (Nancy) wrote: "Made Me Want to Spend a Week at Stone House".
Knowing that I'm a fan of H. P. Lovecraft, my Goodreads friend Henrik Harksen recently sent me a review copy of one of the latest publications from his small press, Lovecraftian Covens, and I started on it yesterday evening. It's a collection of Lovecraft-inspired writings, mostly short stories, by Franklyn Searight, the son of HPL's pen pal and fellow Weird Tales author Richard F. Searight. I'm enjoying it so far!
Werner wrote: "Knowing that I'm a fan of H. P. Lovecraft, my Goodreads friend Henrik Harksen recently sent me a review copy of one of the latest publications from his small press, Lovecraftian Covens..."Werner, I found a Wiki page on the "Weird Fiction" genre at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weird_fi...
Interesting.
Centipede Press does very fine, limited editions of fantasy & horror books. There is a scratch & dent page that has some awesome deals. What Jerrod considers damaged often doesn't to me. Here's the page:http://www.centipedepress.com/art/scr...
They're usually fairly expensive. I only buy a few books a year from them as they concentrate on specific authors, then do a super job collecting the work & putting it together with great artwork & bindings. Introductions are usually done by the perfect person, often a well known author. Many editions are signed & very limited.
They're often geeky collections. A two volume, limited edition was devoted to the collected short stories of Karl Edward Wagner, Where the Summer Ends: The Best Horror Stories of Karl Edward Wagner, Volume 1 & Walk on the Wild Side: The Best Horror Stories of Karl Edward Wagner, Volume 2. They were $45 each plus shipping ($12 for me).
I got a 3d copy of 'Summer' for about half price as a scratch & dent, but it seems just as fine to me. I'm saving it as a present for someone, but I haven't figured who that is yet. It was just too great a book & good a deal to pass up, though. Collections of KEW's stories are typically very limited & quickly go through the roof. I bought a copy of Exorcisms & Ecstasies for $5 as a remainder & then spent years trying to find another copy for my son at a reasonable price. I finally got it for $60, but often see it for $200.
Another volume that Centipede Press did was The Complete Slayers: Fast One and the Complete Short Stories of Paul Cain. Unless you're into old pulp mystery fiction, you've probably never heard of him. I am & I hadn't, but this collection was FANTASTIC & very difficult to amass, but wound up preserving this author. I think a couple of these stories had to be typed back in from moldering old pulps that stepped up when Jerrod put the word out. My review is here:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Anyway, if you're at all interested, you owe it to yourself to check out Centipede Press' offerings & get on the mailing list. Jerrod only sends out an email every month or so, but it is always worth reading.
Jim wrote: "Centipede Press does very fine, limited editions of fantasy & horror books. There is a scratch & dent page that has some awesome deals. What Jerrod considers damaged often doesn't to me. Here's t..."Boy, Jim, you are really a fan of the genres which Centipede Press offers. Their "genres" page says:
========================================================
"Our genres include horror, science fiction, crime, Gothics, a series called Masters of the Weird Tale, another series called Studies in the Horror Film, and art books and anthologies."
=========================================================
Centipede Press should have an "about" page. It would help folks like me who have know idea what companies like this do.
PS-Exactly what does "scratch & dent" mean? They should explain that.
I started Drowning Ruth last night. Good so far. Did anyone here read it? I'm pretty sure I heard about it in this group.
Scratch & dent means exactly what it says, Joy. The covers aren't perfect, they've been dented or scratched somewhat. I've always found the imperfections negligible.I do like all the genres they list. The genre page pretty much says it all as an overview. If you look at the books page, you'll see the specifics. The books are geared toward serious collectors in the field, I guess. Some books are just essays about a book or movie, an icon in the genre like "Carrie", for instance.
I guess the site is more for those of us who know what we want. Jerrod often asks & takes recommendations. IOW, you'll understand the site if you have an interest. If you don't (& I know you don't!) it does seem obscure. Considering the limited number of each book & the price, it really doesn't need more explanation, though.
I just finished listening to The Great Gatsby. As an audio, it was much better, still I only gave it 3 stars, one better than I did as a regular book.My review:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Jackie wrote: "I started Drowning Ruth last night. Good so far. Did anyone here read it? I'm pretty sure I heard about it in this group."Jackie, I did a search and the book (Drowning Ruth) hasn't been mentioned in this group before now. (I haven't read it.) I browsed a few of the GR reader reviews and by coincidence ended up liking the same one you did (by Brian K). See it at: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The storyline's shifting scenes and times (mentioned in the GR description), remind me of the style of The Plague of Doves. That book was also about a death and about how it happened. I'm wary of time and space shifts because sometimes they are hard to follow.
Jim wrote: "... Considering the limited number of each book & the price, it really doesn't need more explanation, though."Jim, as you know, I usually need more explanations than the average person. :) Even in stories, I need a good bit of exposition. Ambiguity irritates me.
Jim wrote: "I just finished listening to The Great Gatsby. As an audio, it was much better, still I only gave it 3 stars, one better than I did as a regular book.My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."
Jim, I've read the book (The Great Gatsby) and I've seen the movie but your review tempts me to try to audio version. I'd be interested to hear what the audio's reader, Anthony Heald, does for it.
Thanks Joy, it's driving me crazy that I can't remember where I heard about Drowning Ruth. I asked all the friends I get recommendations from and no one has read it. It's a mystery!
Jackie, I too like to keep track of where I heard about certain books or movies. These days with so much information coming at us from so many different sources, it's almost impossible to remember details like that. Have you done a search of all your GR groups?
Yes, I don't belong to many groups and none for this genre. It's not something I would normally choose for myself. I've decided the write these things down from now on, so that when I do get the recommended book I'll know who I can thank for the experience.
Good luck keeping track, Jackie! :) Sometimes I include the info in my review. For example, I have various shelves named:"suggested by..."
"recommended by..."
"discovered..."
"selected by..."
or I'll make a note in my review, sometimes in the "private notes" section or other times in the review itself.
I'm not consistent but many times I follow the pattern.
I just finished listening to The Door Into Summer by Robert A. Heinlein. It was an excellent book in many ways, although it had one flaw that brought it down a star.My review:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Jim wrote: "I just finished listening to The Door Into Summer by Robert A. Heinlein. ... My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... "Thanks for the link to your review, Jim. Interesting that Heinlein didn't imagine the concept of communications via an Internet.
I think William Gibson is often credited with that in Neuromancer. At least, he started the cyberpunk genre & really saw the possibilities as they are being realized today, IMO. Of course, people disagree. I read one opinion that though Asimov had in Foundation, but I don't agree. Depending on how you look at it, there are any number of folks that had pieces of it.
Mark Twain came up with something fairly close with his telectroscope in a 1904 story, "From the London Times". (I had to google it. I read it many years ago & plan on reading it again soon.) Here's an article explaining why this guy thinks Twain foresaw the Internet.
http://thetyee.ca/Books/2007/01/08/Ma...
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Glens Falls (NY) Online Book Discussion Group
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