Readers and Reading discussion
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Book Miscellany
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What are you reading now? Finished recently? 4/5 through 11/6/2009
I absolutely agree with you on the "sometimeness" of Hoffman's stuff! I take your opinion as bible I can take to the bank and will look for this book at the library!
Yes, I did finish it JoAnn and it is reviewed among my list of books! I LOVED THIS BOOK! The last third of it made me cry, but at least there was 'redemption'. I am glad you finally enjoyed one of her books though. I read it in 24 hours as well, as I do most of her books. Now another wait for the next one..........
Mod
Charlotte, I always enjoyed Hoffman's books, except for the last few years. I am not sure what it was...they got too "way out" for me. This, IMO, was a return to her old style of storytelling.
I probably like them because I am "way out" there myself! :)I have always loved magical fantasy, fairies, elves and the like, the supernatural. Maybe that is why I am such a big fan of hers. She interjects some form of it into all of her stories....
I'm well into The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery and loving every minute of it. I can't imagine where this tale of a middle aged, very literate,concierge and a rich suicidal 12 year old girl is going but so far I haven't even read the last page. I know the ending isn't going to disappoint me. The only downside of the book, for me, is, as happens to me far too frequently, the recognition that there are so many people so much smarter than I am. I'm so envious. But I love being in their world.
Bunny: I'm well into The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery and loving every minute of it-----------------------
:) I'm so happy to hear that. It's on my TBR list.
I just finished The Worst Hard Time for the BNC monthly discussion and wanted to get into some fiction to "take me away". I started my summer vacation with the newest Jeffery Deaver, and I'm hooked. I'll read non-stop all summer, and that's the best part of being off.kate
I am now reading "Crossroads" by Belva Plain and enjoying it immensely.
I recently finished reading The Host by Stephenie Meyer. I loved the story so much. Stephenie totally amazed me with this new tale that has nothing to due with vampires. It started interesting with Wanderer trying to get used to Melanie and her emotions & dreams. Afterwards the advanture begins when Wanderer goes to Melanie's old home. Wanda discovers so many human experiences as well as obsticles. She also finds love.
I am still reading Bones by Johnathan Kellerman & started reading Mickey Rourke - High and Low by Christopher Heard. My Mother bought me that book recently b/c she knows that he is my favorite actor. =)~
I am in the midst of reading one of the C.S. Lewis Narnia books. The one I am reading is The Dawn Treader. In this one the youngest two children are off on a voyage with Prince Caspian looking for unknown lands
RNOCEAN wrote: "I am now reading "Crossroads" by Belva Plain and enjoying it immensely. "Finished Crossroads, loved it! Went right into A Reliable Wife and this book has me hooked! I may just finish it quickly - I love this man's style of writing...........Wow!
I picked up a nice hardcover copy of Luncheon of the Boating Party, and so will be reading it at last. Better late than never?
I just started Wedding Belles by Haywood Smith. I started it before, abandoned it, so we will see if I finish it this time. I have read her other 2 Red Hat books, and this is supposed to be the 3rd one. I noticed that I have this one autographed, so I have had it for a while.
I finished The Elegance of the Hedgehog and was disappointed, after I said I wouldn't be. Despite the good writing, better than good actually, the book became a Hallmark Hall of Fame story. All of the good people were really, really good, and everyone else was really bad. I did get some food for thought from the thoughtful parts of the book, so it was worth it.
I am about to begin Summer Sisters by Judy Blume.
I started Anne of Green Gables last night and am enthralled. How did I miss this all of my life? I can't remember who read it recently and recommended it, but thank you.
I just started My Antonia which I have always wanted to read. My DH gave me a Kindle for my b'day and it was a cheap one to download. I am enjoying it thoroughly. I am probably the only one in all of Book Kingdom who hasn't read it.
Bunny, i just read Anne of Green Gables a couple of years ago and immediately understood why it was a popular book. However, i had no desire to read more in the series. I don't know if that is unusual or not, maybe it's a sign a little bit goes a long way? :-)Leslie, enjoy that Cather work. She's one of my favorite American authors. Her appreciation for landscape and differences in humans is outstanding, imo.
Linreadsalot, i was just wondering about Judy Blume the other day. While i know you aren't reading one of her books for young people, i found myself wondering if those works are still read by students today. It's possible they were dated, i can't recall.
deborah
Mod
I loved the TV series based on these books too.
I have never read My Antonia, and to be honest am not even sure who wrote it!! I guess my reading has been a little sheltered.
Richiesheff wrote: "I have never read My Antonia, and to be honest am not even sure who wrote it!! I guess my reading has been a little sheltered."I remember reading Willa Cather's My Antonia in high school (many, many years ago!). A couple of years ago my book group read her O Pioneers! I enjoyed her writing, and her portrait of the Nebraska plains as well as the strong spirit of the main character.
Linreadsalot, i was just wondering about Judy Blume the other day. While i know you aren't reading one of her books for young people, i found myself wondering if those works are still read by students today. It's possible they were dated, i can't recall. deborah
My 11 year old granddaughter has read all of Judy Blume. As I've bought a few for her, I can say the bookstore was well stocked with all of them, so I assume they're still being read by lots of kids.
We'll see how much sweetness and light I can take with Anne of Green Gables. So far I'm OK with it but I'm far from the end of the book :)
I'm reading "Stone's Fall" by Iain Pears and am delighted with the intelligent writing. Yes, it's a BFB, 608 pages, but I've read 125 pages so far and I'm enjoying it. I had just read "School of Essential Ingredients" by Erica Bauermeister, a very pleasant read about a woman who holds cooking classes and how the magic of food and life can intersect. The descriptions of the foods cooked were splendid...I gained weight just by reading them.
I followed that up with Julia Child's "My Life in France" which also was fun to read....seems that her whole life revolved around cooking excellent dishes. The history of her becoming a celebrated cook is intriguing. I wish I had seen some of her TV programs. Her research and fine tuning of each recipe that was to be included in her first cookbook was astounding.
Lois
Lois, The Ian pears book sounds intriguing. Did you read "The Instance of the Fingerpost", and if so, did you like it?
I read "My Life in France" sometime back and I am really looking forward to seeing the "Julie, Julia" movie coming out in Aug. I have the book of that name that I haven't been able to embrace. I loved Julia's old shows, and I am hoping that the movie may revive interest in them. It would be wonderful to see them. What I really loved about her is that she didn't take herself so seriously, and was always ready to laugh at herself.
Mod
Each of my videos is about cooking a certain ingredient and then she makes several recipes on each video. I know one is fish, another is meat, and maybe one is vegetables. You can tell that I have not watched them in a long time.
Or you could get this: http://www.amazon.com/Julia-Child-Fre...
and this: http://www.amazon.com/French-Chef-Jul...
and this: http://www.amazon.com/Julia-Child-Fre...
Amazon has a special if you buy all three.
I liked Julie Powell's blog but could not read the book. I t was just too much....
Julia Child's taught me to cook. I was very under educated as far as cooking was concerned when I married (I mean I couldn't cook anything at all!) and I bumbled along for a few years, until Julia came into my life. She made everything so simple for me. And it all came out so good! I gained a reputation as a good cook because of her. I still use The French Chef and Mastering the Art of French Cooking regularly - thanks, Julia. My family appreciates it very much.
Mod
I am not sure if I made many of her recipes, but for years, hers was a show that Bob and I never missed.
Kriverbend wrote: "I'm reading "Stone's Fall" by Iain Pears and am delighted with the intelligent writing. Yes, it's a BFB, 608 pages, but I've read 125 pages so far and I'm enjoying it. I had just read "School ..."
Lois, some of her shows are on DVD. I have the one that does a whole show on making omelets. She does it over and over again and shows how you set up an omelet station. They are available through Amazon.
Leslie, you asked if I read "The Instance of the Fingerpost<" No, but I definitely will. As for "Julie,Julia," I'm not sure I could read Powell's book. I read some of her blogs and lost interest although I thought the project was interesting. Have you looked at Google for the trailer of "Julie, Julia?" having just read the Child book, I am amazed at how Streep has captured her! I can hardly wait.
Lois
JoAnn, thanks for the links to the Child shows. I'm going to check with the library to see what they have. These might change my "get something quick and easy to cook so you can get out of the kitchen and go read" mentality!Lois
Peg, it'll probably be an eye opener to see Child make an omelet the correct way and finding out what I've been doing wrong all this time. Can I really sit through a whole DVD on this subject? Do I want to know the proper way if it takes even five minutes more than what I've been doing especially since I've had no complaints? I find myself saying I'd like to see this..... even though I might not implement the Child way! Lois
Leslie >Did you read "The Instance of the Fingerpost", and if so, did you like it?<I liked this book. It seems to go slowly, but I'd say wait until you start the second section before deciding, if the slowness bothers you. It's an interesting historical novel, and I'm not a big fan of historical novels.
Lois said: "Do I want to know the proper way if it takes even five minutes more than what I've been doing especially since I've had no complaints? I find myself saying I'd like to see this..... even though I might not implement the Child way! "Lois, I like to cook but have no aspirations to be a great cook or to try French cooking. That said, I'll confess that I found watching the Julia Child show hugely fun just as entertainment--with no particular attention to what she's doing. Her personality, humor, and joie de vive are captivating.
Jan O'Cat
Like Jan, i watched the show for entertainment, as i found her character & manner of speaking a pleasure to observe. However, when Peg mentioned the omelet episode i realized i actually employed her method for almost an entire year after learning how from the tv show. It was '74 or so, i think, and i was still just learning how to plan meals, meaning most days i forgot to do so. Omelets were such handy dishes! Then all the stuff about cholesterol in eggs & i put them aside.Year later, DH is the omelet maker & i haven't even tried to make one in over 2 decades. Still, the image returned with Peg's words. Neat.
However, i continue to use many recipes from Mastering the Art of French Cooking. It's been a handy reference book, too. Many's the page which is bedighted with evidence of their use!
deborah
madrano wrote: "Like Jan, i watched the show for entertainment, as i found her character & manner of speaking a pleasure to observe. However, when Peg mentioned the omelet episode i realized i actually employed he..."I finally bought Mastering the Art of French Cooking - the 40th anniversary edition. I thought it would be fun when my daughter is home to try doing sections of it at a time. Unfortunately, we haven't done so yet and I've purchased many other cook books since then. As for cholesterol, she was a heavy user of butter but she also advised strongly the French way of eating - small portions.
Mod
Peg, is she still working on the cruise ship?
Laura and I have worked through a lot of recipes and it IS fun!
JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "Peg wrote: "I finally bought Mastering the Art of French Cooking - the 40th anniversary edition. I thought it would be fun when my daughter is home to try doing sections of it at a time."Peg, is ..."
Yes and just started her latest contract that will run until mid-April.
As I noted in another post, I just finished Wally Lamb's I Know This Much Is True.
I just finished two books worth noting. The first: "The Story Sisters" by Alice Hoffman, whose writing I thoroughly enjoy....the rhythm of her descriptive sentences are music to my ears, or should I say "eyes." . I'm not thrilled by her use of fantasy, but the rest of her talents overcome that. This book is typically Hoffman...I loved it.My second recommendation is book I started last night and just finished is "Mudbound," a novel by Hillary Jordan. I had read that this novel earned the Bellwether Prize for Fiction which was instituted by Barbara Kingsolver to be "awarded biennially to a first literary novel that addresses issues of social justice." I believe Kingsolver's choice is an excellent one. Once started, I obviously didn't want to put it down. Again, a high recommendation from me...and I shall be watching for her second book.
Lois
Mod
I'm not thrilled by her use of fantasy, but the rest of her talents overcome that.
I kind of skimmed over the fantasy parts of this book, and then read an interview with Hoffman and got the impression that this was of utmost importance to her! I, on the other hand, thought it detracted from the story,
But I loved the book!
I kind of skimmed over the fantasy parts of this book, and then read an interview with Hoffman and got the impression that this was of utmost importance to her! I, on the other hand, thought it detracted from the story.JoAnn, if I were interested in Hoffman's use of fantasy, I'd be forced to spend time in trying to understand more of it. I agree that it does distract; I read it and shrug when I don't understand what it means. When I read these books I don't digest them ....I just move on. (Yes, I know, the sign of a lazy reader!)
JoAnn, I forgot to mention that in "Mudbound," the chapters are from different points of view, a device which seems to be so popular in today's fiction. I admit sometimes it's an annoying vehicle, however not this time. Its intelligent use enriches the characters. I hope others agree....I look forward to comments.
Lois
Lois
Mod
LOIS
I doubt if I would ever read anything endorsed by Kingsolver. I used to love her books, but after Poisonwood Bible, she became so strident and I grew tired of reading her rants and rages about anything the government was doing. (Well, I should preface that by saying the Republican administration).
I feel the same way about author-celebrities as I do about actors who comment on politics. They should just do what they do best.
Lois, I've had Mudbound on the back burner for a while. It was highly touted by one of Milwaukee's Indy stores that I loved. If they liked a book, I'd like the book. I'll definitely move it up to the front burner based on your recommendation.Hope you continue on your hot streak :-)
Hope you continue on your hot streak :-) LOL Thanks, Peg. It's a little like playing the lottery....one invests reading time, gets a lot of losers, then finally finds a winner.
My next book is "The Reliable Wife." Which category?I guess it depends on whom you talk to!
Lois
I started James Harriot's All Creatures Great and Small this week and am loving it again. As it's been years since I read this series, I've forgotten all the details, i.e., how bad tempered Siegfried is, so it's all new to me. We'll see if I feel like the whole set or not when I've finished this one.
Mod
We all read this many years ago when we took our children to England for the first time - one of our stops was in Herriott's town and I have a photo of Laura standing in front of his office. Good memories.
So far I have finished: Bulls Island Dorothea Benton Frank
A Single Thread Marie Bostwick
Finger Licken' Fifteen Janet Evanovich
Leaving Whiskey Bend Dorothy Garlock
Never Too Late Robyn Carr
The Fixer Upper Mary Kay Andrews
I just finished the Msry Kay Andrews book and I loved it. It is 400+ pages, but I read t in 2 days. I leave for Iowa, so have about 4 books to read and leave with mom. The Marie Bostwick, A Single Thread was a good one too.
I leave for IowaDeb, you'll love it here. The temp is 70 degrees and it's sunny!
Lois
Mod
I just finished my second Maisie Dobbs book, Birds of a Feather. I have her next two on audio (I bought them at a big discount). I like Winspear's gentle writing. With the stress in my life right now I need gentle books.
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LOL, JoAnn, I was wondering where you were yesterday. Turns out you were reading!
Jan O'Cat