What Are You Reading Showing 6,151-6,200 of 6,935

[Margo]

Wool is so good. Are you continuing with the trilogy Andy? I read Shift and I have Dust ready to go. I also own Dark Matter which I must read soon.

[Paul]

There is a Trilogy of spinoff stories from the Wool Trilogy as well, available in a set of Anthologies, worth checking out when your done with the novels.

[Margo]

Paul wrote: "There is a Trilogy of spinoff stories from the Wool Trilogy as well, available in a set of Anthologies, worth checking out when your done with the novels."

I get a bit confused with this guy as to which books are new and which are part of books I've read :(

[Andy]

Emmet - would recommend

Margo -hope to continue with the series - have added Shift as TBR,
will let you know how Dark Matter goes - great so far

Paul - think Wool would make a great film,
loved the Martian book and movie, so can't complain

[Paul]

I loved the Martian as well so can't complain too much.

Margo, the sets can be hard to keep up with.
Wool, Shift, Sand and Beacon 23 were all published in serial form before coming together as a collection

[Margo]

Andy wrote: "Emmet - would recommend

Margo -hope to continue with the series - have added Shift as TBR,
will let you know how Dark Matter goes - great so far

Paul - think Wool would make a great film,
loved..."

Movie ending of the Martian was OK. Hated the book ending - all those platitudes!!

[Margo]

Paul wrote: "I loved the Martian as well so can't complain too much.

Margo, the sets can be hard to keep up with.
Wool, Shift, Sand and Beacon 23 were all published in serial form before coming together as a ..."

Did you mean dust or have I got the wrong book :-/

[Margo]

Margo wrote: "Paul wrote: "I loved the Martian as well so can't complain too much.

Margo, the sets can be hard to keep up with.
Wool, Shift, Sand and Beacon 23 were all published in serial form before coming t..."

Oh no, Dust wasn't puplished in serial form? Geez, this guy wrecks my head lol

[Paul]

Dust was all on its own.
Interestingly with the Martian there are two book endings, one for the original version the second edited the trad published version. The edited ending actually finishes in space and is much stronger than either the film or original book version.

[Margo]

Paul wrote: "Dust was all on its own.
Interestingly with the Martian there are two book endings, one for the original version the second edited the trad published version. The edited ending actually finishes i..."

I think you told me that before. (view spoiler)[ the kindle book ended in space but all these comments about everything will work out right if we just work together. Cooperation solves all problems, together we can accompish anything etc. Ya, maybe that's true if you have the might of NASA behind you. The day I finished the book some drowned refugee children had been found washed up on a beach somewhere which made it patently obvious to me that all problems CAN'T be solved (hide spoiler)]

[Paul]

Its interesting how the input of an editor can make such a big difference. For most of the book there is little difference between the versions

[Emmet]

Paul I totally agree! I've had the pleasure of reading an unedited book and it's often far different from the finished product (I hope). Having done the reading though I wasn't sure I'd be able to be an editor, a job I assumed I would have enjoyed. I'll stick to what I'm doing now.

[Paul]

Yeah Reading a work in progress can be both interesting and difficult.

[Margo]

I think we need more editing in many books. Large chuncks of rambling information which has no relevance to the plot should not exist in novels, yet sadly do in many.
Then you get editor insist in providing happy endings for the American market. Talk about condescending x-]

[SherryRose]

Margo wrote: "I think we need more editing in many books. Large chuncks of rambling information which has no relevance to the plot should not exist in novels, yet sadly do in many.
Then you get editor insist in..."

Lololol! Gotta love happily ever after!
I agree that books have such long rambling garbage sometimes. I've read books that could be cut in half. Sometimes its due to an author showing off knowledge about a subject. It veers off of the story.

[Margo]

Sherry wrote: "Margo wrote: "I think we need more editing in many books. Large chuncks of rambling information which has no relevance to the plot should not exist in novels, yet sadly do in many.
Then you get ed..."

I can see that an author could get carried and think that what they write is pure gold, but isn't that why editors exist ???

[SherryRose]

Yes it is. I have read books that desperately need actual editing. I wonder how much influence the author has. Maybe an editor will knock out 3 pages about the history of classical music (or something) and the author demands that they put it all back. Unless the book is about that subjec specifically, it's all junk.
I think authors want bigger books so us readers get stuck reading fillers.

[Susan]

Thanks for the info, Chris.

[Andy]

Cphe wrote: "Have no idea if anyone here reads Stuart Neville but......

found mention of Here and Gone by Heylen Beck. (available pre order on amazon)

What I didn't know was that Heylen Beck is actually Stuar..."

I do! Thanks for the heads-up Cphe, be interesting to see how "he" carries it off

[Charlie]

Margo wrote: "Sherry wrote: "Margo wrote: "I think we need more editing in many books. Large chuncks of rambling information which has no relevance to the plot should not exist in novels, yet sadly do in many.
..."
A creative writing tutor I once had called it 'killing your babies' when you edit material that you're attached to - and I have to admit it does feel like that sometimes. In my first novel I'd written a prologue that I loved but the editor explained that in their opinion it was pointless, adding nothing to the story, and I had to agree (inasmuch as she was correct!) so it's now sitting in my 'miscellaneous' file waiting for a story where it will fit.

[SherryRose]

Thanks for your perspective as an author, Charlie. It clears things up a great deal. It must be hard to let go of something so dear to you. I'm glad that you listen to your editor though. They see it in a more clinical way. I hope you can use that prologue some day.

[Andy]

reading Dadland: A Journey into Uncharted Territory by Keggie Carew
biography of author's unorthodox father, written as a reflection and historical exploration as he succumbs to dementia
beautifully written, honest, poignant

was tempted to nominate for quarterly read but Irish link a bit tenuous,
Does touch on his parent's life in Cork, Kerry and Limerick in the context of 1st world war, war of independence, civil war.

[Margo]

Andy wrote: "reading Dadland: A Journey into Uncharted Territory by Keggie Carew
biography of author's unorthodox father, written as a reflection and historical exploration as h..."

Sounds amazing but very sad. I lost 2 gran aunts to alzheimer's last year so I think for me it would prod at scars not yet healed over.

[Andy]

Hi Margo - can see that - the 'current time' narrative is tinged with sadness, loss, frustration

[Andy]

had just cleared the decks to get an early start on Historical Fiction choice for the group challenge
eldest just got Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, so parallel reading is back on.

[Colleen]

I just finished Small Great Things and it was an amazing book in so many ways. It was the first book this year that I gave 5 stars .It is a very tense and uncomfortable novel and a one point I had to take a day off from reading it I had hit a brick wall , it hits pretty close to the environment that seems to be America lately or that has come out of hiding since Trump.I would say all Trump supporters should read this but I know they won't . Glad I read it.
I am now reading A Murder in Time to do some escapism reading , not so fast the beginning is all too close to reality ! lol I need help :)

[Kevin]

Hola,
Currently reading The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano: Written by Himself in my chillout time. Set in mid to late 18th century, it chronicles the authors life in Nigeria, his kidnapping, his slavery in London, his freedom, and became active in the British movement to abolish slavery. The writing itself is not spectacular but the details and information is fascinating. Talking about his parents in Nigeria , his routines, and how he came to learn how to write etc. are great narratives.

It's a fresh topic for me to read anyway and enjoying the break from fiction. I think I'd like to read more on the Trans-Saharan slave trade after this and other things.

[Thomas, Moderator]

I just finished The Keepsake

This is book 7 in the Rizzoli & Isles series. I recommend reading them in order . Tess Gerritsen is a doctor and uses her medical knowledge very well in this police procedural/medical mystery. It is a very creepy mystery, opening with the discovery of body thought to be an Egyptian mummy. The museum has arranged for a CT scan of the mummy. They have already determined the outer wrapping to be 2,000 years old through carbon dating. But the CT scan shows a bullet and they soon realize that this is a suspicious death. More horrific discoveries turn up, including shrunken heads. Detectives Rizzoli and Frost are assigned to the case and soon decide that they are looking for a serial killer with a taste for the macabre. This is a gripping thriller. I read it in two days, reading almost 300 pages on the second day.
Some quotes--
Forensic psychologist profiling the killer: "He didn't want to let them go, so he turns them into keepsakes that will last forever."
Detective Rizzoli: " He preserved her as a keepsake. She became part of his harem, Josephine, a harem of dead souls."
I rate this library book a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

[Andy]

sounds interesting Thomas, not familiar with Gerritsen Tess, adding #1 The Surgeon TBR

collected Shift from the library last week, hopefully will get started next week

[Thomas, Moderator]

Both my wife and I enjoy this series.

[Susan]

So I am reading this cozy mystery Murder at an Irish Wedding. I wanted to catch up on Irish wedding traditions in preparation as my role as flower girl at Paul and Trelawn's wedding. I have some questions and wondered if you all could help me.

The heroine states that Ireland's woodlands have been viciously stripped due to its violent past. Ireland is the least wooded country in Europe. Is this true?

The mother-in-law states there should be bagpipes and harps and the men should wear kilts. Wouldn't that be more Scottish than Ireland? BTW, I would love to see Paul in a kilt. Is that happening? People pass out bells to keep evil spirits at bay? And, my favorite, the bride and groom are literally tied together and that's where we got the expression, tying the knot. Will this happen at the Paul/Trelawn wedding? Also, the brides wear blue instead of white?

Any help?

[Paul]

Irelands woodland was largely stripped to build ships and various other exports to England .
The kilt has become a Gaelic / Celtic symbol and some Irish adopted it during the Celtic revival but its fairly rare these days outside of Presbyterian families with scottish heritage.
Never heard the knot one before and I think we may avoid it ;-)

[Paul]

Plus I don't have nice enough knees for a kilt ;-)

[Trelawn]

The knot thing is probably hand fasting where the bride and groom's hand are bound together. Some people do it but we are sticking with a traditional church wedding. I agree that kilts are more a Scottish thing. My brother had bagpipes at his reception but god knows why. Bells to guard against spirits??? Eh no. The closest would be someone sticking a Child of Prague out in their garden to make sure it doesn't rain on the wedding day. Sounds like your book is more Oirish than Irish Susan ;-)

[Colleen]

Oh my grandmother hung rosary beads out the night before my wedding day so it wouldn't rain .... It poured . Lol

[Thomas, Moderator]

Susan wrote: "So I am reading this cozy mystery Murder at an Irish Wedding. I wanted to catch up on Irish wedding traditions in preparation as my role as flower girl at Paul and Trelawn's wedding..."

I am impressed at your dedication and research into your role as flower girl. I have the same book on my kindle, having previously read book 1 in the series. The author is Irish American.

[Susan]

I, too, read the first one and liked it but Siobhan (any clues on how to say this name?) is really on my nerves. She just thrusts herself into the middle of the murder investigation and tells people she is connected to the garda just because she's dating one. Please. I am glad you told me she was Irish American. It sounds like she just looked up old traditions and threw them in there to sound authentic. I am disillusioned that Paul and Trelawn will not be tied by their hands during the ceremony. I had visions of me with fake scissors trying to cut their binds and failing miserably. Then everyone could throw butterflies in the air and say , yes they were meant to be together. Is it any wonder that Trelawn won't let me plan her wedding?

This book is set near to Cork City and I would think the kilt influence would be more common in NI. But what do I know?

[Maria Hill]

Siobhan sounds something like Shevawn. I dont know phoenetics rules buts that's the closet I can think of in
english

[Maria Hill]

My cousin and his newish wife had a handbinding cermony as part of their humanist wedding in Dublin a couple of years ago. Every one from the wedding party wrapped a different coloured ribbon around their hands and the colours all symbolised something like loyality and friendship etc. It was the first one I had seen and was kind of sweet.

[Paul]

Susan , Sadly 50 shades of Grey has ruined all romantic notions of binding at the wrists.
Otherwise we would definitely go with the idea .

[Bookworm with Kids]

Paul, I burst out laughing in the middle of the canteen in work at your comment! People around here used to think I was quite sensible but now they are looking at me strangely!

[SherryRose]

Paul wrote: "Susan , Sadly 50 shades of Grey has ruined all romantic notions of binding at the wrists.
Otherwise we would definitely go with the idea ."

LOL! A wedding that would require a "safe word!"

The movie sequel is in theaters now. Ugh!

[Susan]

Maria, that sounds so sweet as long as, as Paul points out, not gray.

[Margo]

I am reading What's Eating Gilbert Grape on my kindle. I am 30% in and although Im enjoying it, I'm not sure where it's going.

I'm listening to Burial Rites and I was imeadiatly griped by this one. It is very dark and feels very nordic.

[Susan]

We read Burial Rites as one of our monthly reads and got great responses. I am glad you are enjoying it.

[Maria Hill]

Oh dear - now I need to buy the really really pretty book in Chapters. The edges of the pages are black and the cover is gorgeous.

[Colleen]

Oh Maria could you post a picture of the pretty cover ? I'm such a sucker for them :)

[Thomas, Moderator]

Taking Pity
This is book 4 in the DS Aector McAvoy police procedural series, set in Hull, England. DS McAvoy is on indefinite sick leave, recovering from an attack by organized criminals that nearly killed him and his family(subject of book 3, "Sorrow Bound"). This an intricately plotted mystery with many players-- rival criminal gangs and the police, including some corrupt cops feeding info to the criminals.
There are horrific descriptions of torture--pressing, (a medieval torture) and nail guns among others. This book is not for the squeamish, but you like a mystery with long kept secrets going back 50 years and some determined, honest cops carefully unraveling the truth, then this book is for you.
I do recommend that you read them in order, starting with "Dark Winter."
McAvoy is asked to investigate a murder that took place in 1966 by his boss Trish Pharaoh. She was contacted by the Home Office who specifically asked for McAvoy, known to be incorruptible and determined. Another player is suspended DCI Colin Ray, with his own ax to grind. He was suspended for beating a suspect to death and wants to get reinstated with a splashy arrest.
The characters are complex and the plot moves along briskly.
Two quotes:
weather--"Black clouds hang heavy over a city the rain never seems to wash clean."
a bar--"Six customers, and perhaps twenty-three teeth."
I rate this library book 4 out 5 stars.

[Andy]

Harry Potter parallel read with eldest, we're on to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
Intimidating size, but we're making good progress

[Paul]

Sounds like a nice idea to read it that way.