April 2013 - What are you reading and why?

[Shannon]

Janice wrote: "Shannon wrote: " because it was on the top of the pile by my bed!"

I'll be interested in your comments on this one, Shannon. I have it as an audiobook."

Janice, I will let you know when I am done. Work has gotten in the way and I am behind in my reading!

[Dem]

Just finished and really enjoyed The Orchardist this is my review;
www.goodreads.com/review/show/589639982

[Sarah]

I've just starte reading The Redbreast . It was on my TBR Toppler list but it didn't get picked so thought I'd read it now I've finished my buddy read.

[Lynn]

Just started for another book group monthly read.

[Ann]

Lynn, I read that one last year and really enjoyed it. The 2nd in the series was good but not quite as good as this first one. I'm waiting for the third. I'll be interested to hear what you think of it.

[[deleted user]]

Me to on the reading that last year. I can see why it's a popular book, but it wasn't exactly a great piece of literature. I enjoyed it, but in a kind of guilty pleasure sort of way.

[Cherie]

Roz wrote: "Cherie, I have a lot of trouble writing review. Saying "I liked this book" sounds so trite. And saying "I really didn't like this book" sounds cruel. Especially since the author worked so hard putt..."

Wow, Roz! I understand what you mean about writing the reviews. And to have the author contact you, whew!

[Cherie]

Chrissie wrote: "I really , really do think you should check outResistance: A French Woman's Journal of the War!
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

OK, now do not laugh. I am reading Forever ..."

Chrissie, your statement MADE me laugh! I was too young to begin to understand most of what Forever Amber was about, but I was facinated about the plague. (I NEVER told my Grandmother that I read it.) If I came across a copy today, I would probably read it again. Fun is not how I have ever seen it referenced as, so I HAD to reply.

[Tejas Janet]

Almeta wrote: "Once again back to Not The End Of The World... I just realized that Unnatural Fire needs to be read before the 21st!"

Wow, Almeta. You have a lot going on with reading commitments it seems!

Good luck : )

[Cherie]

Dem wrote: "Just finished and really enjoyed The Orchardist this is my review;
www.goodreads.com/review/show/589639982"

Good one, Dem! I cannot wait to get to it. I am almost tempted to take it off of my ABC list to read right away, but I think I can hold off. Since I have not even started my J book, it will have to wait a little while longer.

[Cherie]

Lynn wrote: "Just started for another book group monthly read."

I really liked this one, Lynn, but AmyK had a hard time getting into the 2nd one after she waited a while to get to it. I read them back to back and cannot wait to get to the 3rd. And I agree with Helen.

[Janice, Moderator]

I started The Whale Rider. I got this book last year when SYNC had it's summer audiobook giveaways. It's finally gotten to the top of the list.

[Chrissie]

Cherie wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "I really , really do think you should check outResistance: A French Woman's Journal of the War!
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

OK, now do not laugh. I am..."

The historical aspects of the book are supposed to be absolutely correct, but it was popular when it came out more than 50 years ago for its sexual content. By friends know I rarely pick romantically themed books, and that is what I thought would make them laugh. I am enjoying it but I still absolutely LOVED Truman. I don't know how to write a review that will do this book justice. I will try in some feeble manner, later today.

[Lynn]

Cherie wrote: "I really liked this one, Lynn, but AmyK had a hard time getting into the 2nd one after she waited a while to get to it. I read them back to back and cannot wait to get to the 3rd. And I agree with Helen. "

The plan for the bookclub is to read them back to back :)

[Chrissie]

I have listened to all 54 hours of Truman, and loved every minute of it.
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

What audiobook should I choose next? I figure I have to pick one that has a chance of competing with McCullough's. A book by Steinbeck is my choice: Cannery Row

[Chrissie]

Janice, have you started The Whale Rider?

I am wondering how much this book centers on Maori customs and how much it is a YA adult novel. Could you help me out? It is currently on sale at Audible. It is terribly short, so I am wondering if it is worth it even at the reduced price. If it is magnificent it could be worth grabbing!

[Rusalka, Moderator]

If it gives you any help until Janice answers, his short stories were a good mix. I recognised a few Maori words by the end of it. I found his writing a great example of the problems and challenges that indigenous peoples have to deal with, balancing their traditions and culture with the competing Western world.

But again, haven't read Whale Rider itself. Most important question is, is it read by a Kiwi? there is no way listening to it in any other accent would work at all.

[Chrissie]

Jay Laga aia, is the narrator. Perhaps he is a Kiwi. Thanks, Rusalka.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

He is a New Zealander. But like all good things that come from New Zealand, we have claimed him as Aussie. He did the Australian kids show Play School for many years, and then was a children's entertainer and singer for a bit. He was in the new Star Wars movies, so you may recognise him from there. Point is, I know of him and I can say I'd happily listen to his voice for 8 hours onwards ;)

[Chrissie]

I am still wondering if this is basically a YA book, but I understand that you would give it a go. Thanks Rusalka!

[Janice, Moderator]

I have started listening to the book. The narrator has a lovely New Zealand accent. It's a pleasure to listen to him.

So far, it is very rich in describing the Maori customs. It talks about the legend of the whale rider and the customs of lineage in that leadership is passed down to male offspring.

I'm not getting the feel of YA in this book. I don't really worry over much if a book is labelled as YA. The genre has some very worthwhile reads - The Book Thief being one. I saw the movie, The Whale Rider, and loved it which is why I got the audiobook.

I would be deterred by the price for a 3 hour book, myself. I acquired my copy from SYNC when they had their free downloads last summer. But then I started to compare.... I paid $10 to go see it at the theatre (more when you add in the price of pop and popcorn). So, the question is, how much value do you put on 3 hours of listening in comparison to a couple of hours at a theatre?

[Chrissie]

Janice, I definitely agree that some YA books are superb. Is the "Book thief" YA? That was just great. I don't see that as being just for kids, no way!

Your thoughts on the cost of a movie are valid! Absolutely right. This also shows how little we pay for a long audiobook at Audible!

So you would recommend it. Thanks for your help. Rusalka, too!

[Kimberly]

I started

[Janice, Moderator]

Chrissie wrote: "So you would recommend it...."

I haven't finished the book, but based on what I've read so far, I'm enjoying it.

[Janice, Moderator]

Kimberly wrote: "I started "

Ahhh, an all time favourite. :)

[Kimberly]

Janice wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "I started "

Ahhh, an all time favourite. :)"

I'm really liking it :)

[Almeta]

Kimberly wrote: "Janice wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "I started "

Ahhh, an all time favourite. :)"

I'm really liking it :)"

You want to be bit, don't you?☻

[Cherie]

Almeta wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "Janice wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "I started "

Ahhh, an all time favourite. :)"

I'm really liking it :)"

You want to be bit, don't you?☻"

ROFL! I think I better add this on to my TBR! Oh - I just checked and it is...

[Janice, Moderator]

Almeta wrote: "You want to be bit, don't you?☻"

LOL! Bite me!

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Chrissie wrote: "Thanks for your help. Rusalka, too! "

No worries. I was just throwing in opinions until Janice woke up and could give a proper on. The Whale Rider, along with many of his other books, are all on my TBR now after reading his short stories. Sounds like I should check out the audio book too!

[Janice, Moderator]

Rusalka wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Thanks for your help. Rusalka, too! "

No worries. I was just throwing in opinions until Janice woke up and could give a proper on. The Whale Rider, along with many of his other bo..."

I don't think I woke up all day. It's been a rough one. LOL!

[Removed]

I'm reading Ken Follett's Fall Of Giants. My sister-in-law recommended it to me, and I have to say I'm glad she did. For an author to tackle a subject like World War I, as a work of historical fiction, is one thing. However its quite another to create believable characters from all the major countries involved in the conflict, and keep the pace up, so that you start to truly care about these people. Best part is, that you find yourself jumping sides and where you were a moment ago cheering for one country the next you are cheering for their enemy. You wind up realizing that the real enemy is man's need for war. Incredible read, check it out if you can.

[[deleted user]]

I'm *still* reading the Stephen king.
I decided that he didn't sit well in a long soaking bath, so also have Scandal to finish up, which will be my Q.
Today i start the new Cd in the car. Old City Hall. Never heard of him, but he conveniently starts with a R for the alphabet

[AmyK]

Scott wrote: "I'm reading Ken Follett's Fall Of Giants. My sister-in-law recommended it to me, and I have to say I'm glad she did. For an author to tackle a subject like World War I, as a work of historical fi..."

I have Fall of Giants on my ABC list for this year. I loved The Pillars of the Earth and its sequel, and am really looking forward to the Century Trilogy.

[Chrissie]

Finished Cannery Row. Loved it. The only problem was that it was too short. I guess I should continue with Sweet Thursday, but instead I have started Freeman. This starts immediately after the Civil War and fits with my previous read Truman.

My review of Steinbeck's winner: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Janice, Moderator]

Scott wrote: "I'm reading Ken Follett's Fall Of Giants. My sister-in-law recommended it to me, and I have to say I'm glad she did. For an author to tackle a subject like World War I, as a work of historical fi..."

Welcome Scott!

[Kimberly]

I'm hoping to finish which I started yesterday. It's really good and it's nice to read a book written by a Nova Scotian author set in Halifax. We need more Canadian writers!

[Cherie]

Chrissie wrote: "Finished Cannery Row. Loved it. The only problem was that it was too short. I guess I should continue with Sweet Thursday, but instead I have started Freeman. This starts immediately after the Civi..."

Oh, another to my list. It sounds wonderful!

[Anna]

I'm reading The Little Stranger for ABC challenge.
And Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness & Selected Poems

[Janice, Moderator]

I finished The Whale Rider and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Chrissie, if you read this book, I can't wait to hear what you think of it.

[Cherie]

I am finally getting back to my ABC books after almost 2 months and have Bryce Courtenay's last book open to the 1st page.
I have never read any of his books before. I picked this one in honor of his interview, thanking his fans, that he made just before he passed away. It was very sweet and made me cry.

[Travis]

just finished the second book in the monster hunter series with Monster Hunter Vendettaa little less action and fewer monsters getting killed than in the first book but still plenty to go around with vampires, trolls, and gangsta gnomes

[Travis]

just started The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt & the Fire That Saved America another book by timothy egan. not real far into it and still quite lost as I have no background to this fire or much of this period in history at all so hope to get some education

[Esther]

Cherie wrote: "I am finally getting back to my ABC books after almost 2 months and have Bryce Courtenay's last book open to the 1st page.
I have never read any of his books..."

Courtenay is a favorite of mine. Although I have not read everything of his yet; I have one or 2 left. I picked up The Power of One years ago and I could not let go. I have been reading him since then.

[Chrissie]

Janice wrote: "I finished The Whale Rider and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Chrissie, if you read this book, I can't wait to hear what you think of it."

I still have not decided. You know how I prefer long rather than short books. If I love them and then zip they end, I get annoyed! You know me pretty well. Do you think it is for me?

[Chrissie]

Cherie, I know.....one almost prefers being told that a book is terrible so you can take it off the list rather than adding more. I have so many books I have to read that I know realistically they cannot all be read. It is impossible!

[Janice, Moderator]

Chrissie wrote: "Do you think it is for me? ..."

LOL! You're putting me on the spot. You have to listen to your gut and if you are having that much doubt, maybe give it a pass. But, you could be passing up a book that you will find to be a gem.

It's steeped in Maori tradition. It's a great story of a young girl who refuses to accept that she cannot do something simply because she's a girl. It may be short, but the ending is very satisfying.

[Chrissie]

Janice, ohhhhhh I cannot make up my mind......... I am hopeless!

[Janice, Moderator]

LOL! I hate that when I can't decide on a book. Although I get all my audible credits at the beginning of my subscription, I ration them out. Each month end I pour over my wishlist trying to decide which book I'll spend my credit on. So I understand!

[Chrissie]

Janice, it is almost worse knowing that you can return stuff you don't really like b/c then you want to try everything, but you have only just so much time! Everybody LOVES Humphrey Bower and I am ashamed to say I don't, so I am thinking that maybe weirdo me will not appreciate this narrator either!