Goodreads Ireland discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
What Are You Reading
message 1551:
by
Paul
(new)
Apr 28, 2014 01:22AM
Is there a similar group to join so you don't lose out too much.
reply
|
flag
I think I'll just stay here. It's enough for me and hopefully, Declan won't kick me out.
Dublin moderators are better at dealing with rowdy punters ;-)
@Susan. You're where you belong, here with us lot, Susan. :-)
I think you're better off out of that group.
I think you're better off out of that group.
Paul's right, Susan. you can't get away, now.
Loving the Simpsons reference by the way, Paul.
Loving the Simpsons reference by the way, Paul.
Never the wrong time for a Simpsons reference.
Sara wrote: "@Barbara did you wind up going to local book festival? We played 18 holes of golf on our way home from hearing my mother's chorus compete in Ocean City. I just got home about 20 minutes ago, so sad..."I did go for the Irish portion. There was a bit of good traditional music, and some young Irish dancers of varying ability but we all cheered them on. Terry Winch read some of his poems which were quite good, and then Alice Mc Dermott read and she was delightful. I stopped and talked to the Catalan independence folks. I did notice that other than people selling kids books, it seemed 95% plus of the folks were self-published authors, including the couple from my book group. I saw one that I was interested in - Wild Women of Washington DC but was on my way to the Irish stage and then didn't have a chance to go back. I think when it's an individual author with his/her books, it's hard to stop without feeling obligated. I wonder how many books are sold this way. I suppose folks must sell some or they wouldn't continue to go by. I will add that the self-published author from my book group made a disparaging comment about the Baltimore Book Festival which I really like. He commented that all the Black people there passed by his booth and were only interested in Christian books and books by African American authors. I realized he was saying this from his perspective of having written a novel that dealt with racism in Maryland. But, as I have noted elsewhere, he resorts to charactertures of the white racists as being neo-nazis and in the KKK. The Irish tent was sponsored by the Limerick Pub and it was the first time they did it. It only had events for a couple of hours, but hopefully they will continue it next year.
Mod
Kensington also has a couple of small used bookstores that I always try to frequent during the festival. I will definitely go to the festival next year, especially if they have the Irish and steam punk elements again. I also missed the bi-annual 24 hour read-a-thon I usually participate in due to my trip to Ocean City.
Mod
Barbara / Sara - I'd definitely recommend both books Orwell books I mentioned-despite the subject matter, he has a very easy manner in his writing that makes both books quick reads. I've actually read Down and Out a few times, and was particularly fascinated with the time he spent in Paris. I'll be reading The Road to Wigan Pier next, as it also comes well recommended. Sara, I've also read both Animal Farm, first in school and then as an adult, and 1984, and while I enjoyed both, I have to say I prefer his journalism.
Barbara, I've a feeling that the Catalan issue in Spain is similar to ours up here, so I'd need to read a lot more before being able to comment on it. I was amazed though in the context of this book that in the govt of the day, the Communists were classed as right wing, and spent as much time putting down the left as they did fighting Fascism. The main body of the book is all about the human aspect of the conflict, with appendices for the political stuff, so you can dip in to what you want.
BTW did you ever come across George Orwell Plaza (or a name to that effect) when you lived in Barcelona? It wasn't far from La Rambla, off the maze of streets to the left as you walk down to the water. I have a picture of the street sign somewhere...
Susan-that's really annoying, reading on this thread and the other one about what's been happening in the other group. Surely, now you're absent, the other members will kick up a stink, because I'm sure you're as valued a member in that group as you are in this one amongst the 'rank and file'. I hope it all gets sorted to your satisfaction.
Susan wrote: "I have apparently been kicked out of the other group. I went to add a comment to our monthly read and it said I had to join the group. I guess Jean-Luke got his revenge.I have to admit I was unrea..."
Internet issues can be quite unpleasant. Sorry you've had a bad experience, Susan.
But I guess it serves you right, for making such unreasonable demands. ;)
Susan wrote: "I have apparently been kicked out of the other group. I went to add a comment to our monthly read and it said I had to join the group. I guess Jean-Luke got his revenge.I have to admit I was unrea..."
Wow, Susan. Not even a slap on the wrist or the "better behave, young lady?" Just summarily ejected? The moderator sounds like a bit of a control freak.
Jamie Lynn wrote: "I have The Lovely Bones next on my list. I took a sneak peak already...might not read it. I'll try it. Looks too depressing."Would be keen to hear what you think of it JL. I've also wanted to read it but also worried it would be too depressing!
Picked up "Mansfield Park" by Jane Austen from my bookshelf when I saw Emma is a bit of an Austen fan and I hadn't read one for years. In fact it's dated July 1995, date when I last read it (that makes me feel old) but as lovely and comforting as I remember her writing.
I read the lovely bones and thought it was a really good read. While it's a sad topic she manages to write in a way that doesn't make it a depressing read. A really good murder mystery.
Seraphina wrote: "I read the lovely bones and thought it was a really good read. While it's a sad topic she manages to write in a way that doesn't make it a depressing read. A really good murder mystery."That's good to hear, will give it a go so.
There must be a real knack to writing about a depressing topic but not depressing the reader. I recently finished "The Secret Scripture" and yes, it was brilliantly written and told so well but I found it emotionally very hard going (of course this can also be the sign of a very good book, when you're in the right frame of mind).
@ Tara I love Mansfield Park. There's so much going on in it. When you're the film with Jonny Lee Miller is very good :-)
Well a ncie birthday book stash so far. On top of my weekend purchases I have gotten 5 more books so far -Stoner
The Last Man
Around The World In 80 Days
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
Three Men in a Boat
A nice collection of classics, some I haven't read others I haven't read in year.
I enjoyed three men in a boat Paul. Some good comedy moments in it.
I recently read Three Men... too. It a mixture of funny anecdotes, witty observations and some genuinely deep musings. I think you'll enjoy it.
Stoner is also one of my favourite books from last year. The writing is gorgeous.
Stoner is also one of my favourite books from last year. The writing is gorgeous.
Its been recommended to me numerous times and I just never got around to picking up a copy.
I really liked Stoner too. I hope you enjoy your new books, Paul. You can tell a real book lover when they are so happy to get books for a present. Happy Birthday!
A birthday without books would break my heart :-)Thanks for the well wishes
@Emma I didnt get any Shirts socks or ties or the likes this year;-)
Allan wrote: "Barbara / Sara - I'd definitely recommend both books Orwell books I mentioned-despite the subject matter, he has a very easy manner in his writing that makes both books quick reads. I've actually r..."Not all of my Catalan friends think independence is realistic but the petition supported the right to hold a referendum on the issue. Catalonia is the most productive region so economically it wouldn't be impossible. I didn't run into George Orwell square but I don't spend a lot of time in Las Ramblas because it's pickpocket central. And I have developed a strong distaste of clowns after being bothered by so many there who were just awful performers. It reminds me of the character Sealyham Booth on the tv show Bones. He really hates clowns. I hope this is right thread for this comment.
Barbara wrote: "Allan wrote: "Barbara / Sara - I'd definitely recommend both books Orwell books I mentioned-despite the subject matter, he has a very easy manner in his writing that makes both books quick reads. I..."I meant to add that there are lots of awful clown performers on Las Ramblas. To get them to leave me alone, I insulted their performances in multiple languages much to the amusement of the Brits with whom I shared a table.
One of the things I love about this book club is the things I learn. Frankly I thought Orwell had only written the two books. I learn something new almost every day. Barbara and Allan are born teachers.
I learn an awful lot too, Susan. From your good self, included. It happens when memvers feel they can chat freely.
(Did you read that, Jean-Luke) =D
(Did you read that, Jean-Luke) =D
@Barbara. When I was around five, a clown kissed me at the St Patrick's Day parade. Looking back, she couldn't have been more than twenty. I still find it pretty creepy, though.
I remember a movie, Quick Change, starring Bill Murray, where he robs a bank dresses a clown. No-one has a clue what he really looks like, afterward.
That was such a funny movie, Declan. Bill Murray is great.
He's a comedy legend, Susan!
Susan's right, Jamielynn. If you likr BM you'll probably like this.
Jamie Lynn wrote: "Paul wrote: "Well a ncie birthday book stash so far. On top of my weekend purchases I have gotten 5 more books so far -Stoner
The Last Man
[book:Around The World In 80 ..."
Belated happy birthday, Paul. Hope it was one of your best.
Cheers Isabella. Slightly manic day due to work being crazy but then at home a chocolate cake and candles made things better :-)
Paul wrote: "Cheers Isabella. Slightly manic day due to work being crazy but then at home a chocolate cake and candles made things better :-)"Can't go wrong with chocolate cake. Preferably without the candles.
Paul wrote: "Cheers Isabella. Slightly manic day due to work being crazy but then at home a chocolate cake and candles made things better :-)"Can't go wrong with chocolate cake. Preferably without the candles.
I am in good company being a non-clown lover. And I love Bill Murray because he's so random.
Paul wrote: "Well a ncie birthday book stash so far. On top of my weekend purchases I have gotten 5 more books so far -Stoner
The Last Man
Around The World In 80 Days..."
Happy belated birthday, Paul. It sounds like you had a great birthday (so many books!). I read Stoner here with the group. I thought it was stellar. Hope you enjoy it.
@Barbara Clowns are all evil and should be avoided at all costs. Cheers Cathleen. I'm looking forward to all my nee books :-) I might have a peak at the stoner discussion at some point
That's how they draw you in Jamie Lynn.
Pennywise was quite the evil clown LMM. He scares the hell out of me. I think even if I met Tim Curry without all the makeup etc I'd still be wary knowing I'll have a peak at the Stoner Threads when I get to the book. I'm sure i'll find quite a few interesting points in there
Oh and thanks for the Happy Birthday :-)
I read it years ago and decided it was a book a wouldn't read again for many years. it does get right under your skin.
Colleen wrote: "Jane Eyre is one of my favorite novels.I've read it several times.Enjoy :)"One of my favourites too, such a strong character.
Ah Jane Eyre is amazing. I too have reread it many times. It has so many characters I love and a few I love to hate. @ Jamie Lynn i think I may have seen one of the movies before I read the book too. My favourite adaptation is the one with Toby Stephens and Ruth Wilson.
I agree. The BBC adaptation of Bleak House was amazing. UTV/ITV did adaptations of most if nor all of Jane Austens books but for me most of them fell flat. I did like their version of Northanger Abbey though
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Goodreads Ireland
Books mentioned in this topic
Band of Sisters (other topics)The Four Winds (other topics)
The Paris Library (other topics)
Lana's War (other topics)
Big Girl, Small Town (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Lauren Willig (other topics)Kristin Hannah (other topics)
Janet Skeslien Charles (other topics)
Anita Abriel (other topics)
C.S. Harris (other topics)
More...
