What Are You Reading Showing 4,301-4,350 of 6,935

[Paul]

Thanks Cathleen :-)

[Allan]

Paul, I take it neither of you were tempted to read Mount Merrion then? Unsurprisingly there are loads of Dublin references, particularly Southside ones which I'm sure you'd both pick up, knowing the city a lot more intimately than I do.

Barbara, have you any thoughts on the Janet McNeill novel so far? I'm entertained that you began listening to an audiobook accidentally, but I'm glad that it's going well!

I really have to get a hold of a James Salter title myself...

[Paul]

Trelawns Aunt read it.Honestly I didnt even read the blurb. Mount Merrion would be about 5 minutes from my office so I'd definitely know the area

[Allan]

I read a review in the Irish Times, where the reviewer complained that, as it was set mainly on Mount Merrion Avenue, it shouldn't have the title it does. Makes no difference to me!

My mate used to live in Foxrock, so that's the kind of area I have in my head whilst reading. Very different from 'Barrytown' anyway!

[Paul]

Your bang on the money with Foxrock. Same type of area. I still find work colleagues from the area perplex me with how different that world is to how I was brought up. I get looked at odd for not having an Au Pair

[Barbara]

Paul wrote: "Is the Proffesor and the Madman Fiction or non fiction. I do like an Oxford based book"

It's non-fiction and I just finished it. Really intriguing, particularly for those who love words and language.

[Barbara]

Allan wrote: "Paul, I take it neither of you were tempted to read Mount Merrion then? Unsurprisingly there are loads of Dublin references, particularly Southside ones which I'm sure you'd both pick up, knowing t..."

I have only been able to read the preface which is well worth reading...Hope to get into it in the next couple of days.

[Allan]

So, Redemption Falls obviously didn't go down well with the readers of Belfast. Tonight I went to the third meeting of the book club that I'd found online, which is run by a local Arts group. They'd had close on 20 people at both their previous meetings, 13 had signed up for tonight via their ticketing system-and I was the only one to show! :(

I have to say that I had a lovely conversation about the novel and books in general with the organiser though, who will be sticking with organising the club, and who forced me to choose the next group read. Given that we were sitting only 100 yards or so from the Literary Belfast murals in St Anne's Square, I suggested The International. We'll see how that goes!

[Seraphina]

That's a pity Alan. I don't understand why people sign up for stuff they are not going to go to, it must be disheartening for the organiser

[Allan]

I'd say that the weightiness of the O'Connor book would've put people off tonight-nearly 500 pages of close type which was really intricate and difficult to follow at times. Apparently the book was chosen to try to encourage more males to attend-they'd previously read the Eimear McBride and a 'lighter' read which would've appealed more to females. Kinda backfired...

As for the Patterson, it being a local book might encourage people, or put people off-time will tell. The benefit is though, that the organiser knows Patterson, and may be able to either get him to visit, or get discussion points from him.

[Allan]

It was one of the tougher reads that I've had recently, and I know that Barbara gave up on it in the past, so I'm not massively surprised-just a little disappointed. Hopefully they'll get back on track next month! :)

[Barbara]

Emma - my book groups tend to pick "lighter" reads for the summer. Though having written that, one of my groups is reading Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention which is over 600 pages but it has a large section at the end which includes footnotes, bibliography, index etc.

Allan - book groups, especially when they are "public" can have widely varying attendance. I mentioned that when one of my groups met in March and read Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth we had the largest turn out in 2 years - over 15 people. Other months we have as few as 5 or 6. When a group is new, people check it out and may become regulars, or may not return. Considering the literature that has come out of Northern Ireland, Belfast probably has a lot of readers. Hopefully, eventually this group will gel (jell?).

In the past few months, there have only been 3 or 4 of us at the Irish book group. Me, Sara and the organizer Dennis. One month another woman, who sometimes comes, showed up. She hadn't read the book but came because she didn't want to group to become defunct. Well reading the book is kind of a minimum to keep a group going - just showing up and sitting there isn't really the point. We meet next Monday. I plan to go and I'm not sure if there'll be more than 2 of us now that Sara has moved.

[Mara]

THE SILKWORM by Robert Galbraith

[Kevin]

What do you think of The Silkworm, Mara? Cuckoo's Calling didn't impress me so I'm unsure about trying the sequel.

[Sara]

So today is fairly nice here (81 degrees and sunny). I have some job applications and work on a website to get done, but I'm going to skip all that until the sun goes down, so I can sit on the front porch of my new place with a book or two and a diet coke.

I'm reading a lovely micro history booklet of the North Amherst Library. The small one room library branch was dedicated in 1893, is still open, and is just down the street from me. While I'll be making visits to the main branch (the one I posted pictures of the other day) when I need to browse, this will definitely be my library of choice to pick holds and for when I want to take a stroll.

I'm slowly working my way through Here's the Story: New Irish Writing from Solas Nua...which I'm curious to see what Barbara thinks of it. I'm finding that I don't like the novel excerpt format as much as I liked last year's Solas Nua collection of short stories.

I'm also eager to dig into some poetry (Jimmy's Blues and Other Poems) and the second volume of a fantastic graphic novel series (Ms. Marvel, Vol. 2: Generation Why).

In general though, I'd just like to finish something. My brain has been a bit all over the place during the move, and I haven't finished a book in over a week.

Oh, and I'm almost done with the first disc (of 11) of the audiobook ofTo Kill a Mockingbird. I'm driving to Boston this weekend, so that roughly 2 hours of driving each way of listening time.

[Allan]

I think I posted somewhere that I had downloaded the Adrian McKinty book, The Cold Cold Ground onto my mum's iPad from the library for her, as she lived in her family home across the road from Duffy's house in the book while she was growing up.

Well, I got a text from her this morning, and in it, having recognised him from his picture at the very back, she was able to tell me all about his two sisters, who they are married to, where they live, what their husbands do, where his mum lives and also that her friend, who she is in the church choir with, even gets a mention by name-she still lives on Coronation Road, and my mum doesn't reckon she realises she is featured in the book. Tells you how small a place Carrick is!

As for the book itself, my mum's review was 'I enjoyed it even if it was far fetched.' :)

[pauline_nlp]

Good evening everybody! That made so much a long time that I did not come, we could say there is a life between the last time that I posted and today! I am a little bit ashamed of not giving more new side readings… But I'm going to cure that immediately and promise to you to be more serious on this point.
So, I'm currently reading the first book of a serie, "Kaleb", by Myra Eljundir, a French author.
Because I didn't read your messages on this topic, I'm a bit lost, and I am sorry... Like I said before, I'm a bit ashamed of that. I hope I'll send more messages.
Have a nice evening, and weekend ! Have great readings !
-Pauline

[Thomas, Moderator]

Allan wrote: "I think I posted somewhere that I had downloaded the Adrian McKinty book, The Cold Cold Ground onto my mum's iPad from the library for her, as she lived in her family home across th..."

Interesting info.

[Susan]

Allan, I am glad someone else thinks it's far fetched besides you. That makes me feel better. I can't believe you started your book club with a 500 page book. Our club would be in revolt. I think The International is a much better choice. I just hope people didn't get turned off and will come back. Our book club ranges from 5-12. We had 12 last month and it was hard to get a word in edgewise.

[[deleted user]]

I am near finished by Sebastian Faulksits a beautful story and very much enjoying after that I will be starting bySylvia Plath

[Trelawn]

Kazzy I read Birdsong years ago but I remember loving it. Such a beautiful story. I picked up more of his work recently and am working my way through it.

[Barbara]

Kazzy wrote: "I am near finished by Sebastian Faulksits a beautful story and very much enjoying after that I will be starting bySylv..."</i>

Kazzy - I recently got [book:Birdsong and mean to read it soon. I watched about 2/3 rds of the series which I think was shown on British TV. I also got 2 other Faulks books based on recommendations from readers in GRI.

I am reading Here's the Story: New Irish Writing from Solas Nua. Like Sara, I am not loving the excerpts from novels although it is a good choice for a small publisher that hopes to sell books. There are a couple novels I might actually get based on the excerpts. I am reading Ann Enright's new novel The Green Road and think I may be able to finish it this weekend. She will be here next Friday night and I'd like to finish it for her appearance.

[[deleted user]]

@Trelawn I have to agree it's such a beautiful story and well told, I have read one other book by this author and enjoyed it too has a way of pulling you in

@Barbara a must read when you get the time, let me know how you book is looking for need reading material.

I have order the three books for are group read and looking forward to them all each has a different storyline

[Sara]

It was lovely and relaxing, and I actually managed to finish a couple delightful books (Here's the Story: New Irish Writing from Solas Nua and Ms. Marvel, Vol. 2: Generation Why). Ms. Marvel in particular is a great one for those interested in graphic novels or in YA literature. I think Kevin and/or Barbara might be interested in it for that reason. This version of Ms. Marvel is a 15 year old Pakistani Muslim girl who lives in Jersey City, and the graphic novel does a great job at dealing with issues of intersecting identities. The author of it also wrote Alif the Unseen.

As soon as I shower, I'm off to drive to Boston while listening to "To Kill A Mockingbird." I've also bumped up a reading of Bertie Plays the Blues: A 44 Scotland Street Novel which I have out from the library. I picked it up from the hold shelf today, to discover that I accidentally got the Large Print version. As I know that Large Print books are a premium, I'd like to get it back to the library ASAP, so it could be enjoyed by people who really need the larger print.

[Barbara]

Emma wrote: "It was on BBC Barbara. I remember watching it. It was excellent. Yer man who won the Oscar for Stephen Hawking played the lead."

Yes, Eddie Redmayne whose looks I find annoying. A bit like yer man Javier Bardem who I can't even watch. I have NO idea what it is about the later but he gives me the creeps. Totally illogical.

[Trelawn]

@ Barbara we are just about to watch Skyfall again and I was just thinking how Bardem creeps me out. He has very unsettling features.

[Barbara]

Trelawn wrote: "@ Barbara we are just about to watch Skyfall again and I was just thinking how Bardem creeps me out. He has very unsettling features."

I feel redeemed. I also didn't like Mark Harmon for years after he played the serial killer Ted Bundy. But now I am a fan of NCIS so I got over it.

[Susan]

It's like the man who plays the bad guy in The Falls and is in 50 Shades of Gray. I get the creeps every time I see him. The image that comes to mind every time is him storing that scrapbook over his daughter's bed.

I am that way with James Purefoy now. I think that show should be put out of its misery now.

[Thomas, Moderator]

I have just finished City of Dreams by William Martin

I enjoyed reading this book and give it 4 out of 5 stars. It is part history, going back to 1776 and the Revolutionary War, part historical fiction, and part modern day thriller. The book opens with people trying to find twenty thousand dollars worth of US Revolutionary war New Emission bonds. These bonds could be worth over a billion dollars with compound interest.

One thread follows the persons who have possession of the bonds going back to 1780 up the present time. The second thread takes place in the present day, with a variety of people trying to find the bonds, some of whom are willing to kill to get these bonds.

This book is #4 in the Peter Fallon series, but it read ok as a stand alone. Peter Fallon is a rare book expert and at the center of the present day thread.

[Barbara]

Susan wrote: "It's like the man who plays the bad guy in The Falls and is in 50 Shades of Gray. I get the creeps every time I see him. The image that comes to mind every time is him storing that scrapbook over h..."

Susan - I agree about James Dornan. After playing that ultra creepy serial murderer in The Fall, I see the ads for 50 Shades and think no way can I watch him in anything.

[pauline_nlp]

Emma wrote: "Hey Pauline. Good to see you around again. Don't worry plenty of people go ages between posts. I saw you read Harry Potter there the other week. Plenty here who are fans. Where you reading it in En..."
I were reading it in English ;) I bought the 7 books in English. To me, it's important to read Harry Potter in its original version ;)

[Trelawn]

Well done Pauline, that's ambitious. Did you find it difficult?

[Mara]

THE ROSIE PROJECT

[pauline_nlp]

Trelawn wrote: "Well done Pauline, that's ambitious. Did you find it difficult?"
It's not difficult but I read more slowly...

[Trelawn]

That's still impressive Pauline, I couldn't read it in French at any speed.

[pauline_nlp]

Did you learn French or are you learning French ? If you're interested, I can teach you some things ;) I'm just learning English since I'm at school and I love it !

[Trelawn]

I studied French when I was in secondary school. I did it for 6 years and actually had a decent level of spoken French but after a gap over over ten years I only remember bits and pieces. I would love to be fluent in a second language though.

[[deleted user]]

I am working my way throught The Bell Jarby Sylvia Plath. I was unsure on how I would feel about this book but have to say I am enjoying if very much.

[Trelawn]

I've always been intimidated by the thought of Sylvia Plath's work. I assume it'll be heavy going. Maybe i'll psych myself up to try The Bell Jar someday.

[[deleted user]]

Trelawn wrote: "I've always been intimidated by the thought of Sylvia Plath's work. I assume it'll be heavy going. Maybe i'll psych myself up to try The Bell Jar someday."

Emma wrote: "Good to hear your enjoying it Kazzy. I actually have it sitting on my shelf. Hope to get to it soon."

Hello Ladies,

I have to say Trelawn is not heavy going at all I be honest I didn't know anything about Sylvia Plath and more I am reading the more I want to know about her.

Emma it is a great story and you well enjoy it a lot.

[Trelawn]

Thanks Kazzy

[[deleted user]]

You are very welcome :-)

[Kevin]

I read The Bell Jar recently enough and was relieved to find it enjoyable which I think is saying something coming from a male with no major interest in feminism. While it has elements of a feminist novel, I really think it is much more about mental illness and an actual reflection on the author's own life and thoughts.

[[deleted user]]

Hi Kevin you hit it on the nail it was her own life she spoke about and some of the book was base on that, it's a very powerful story and was surprise when I started it myself. Glad you enjoyed it too

[Allan]

Kazzy wrote: "I am working my way throught The Bell Jarby Sylvia Plath. I was unsure on how I would feel about this book but have to say I am enjoying if very much.

[bookcover:The Bel..."

Kazzy, The Bell Jar was included on The Guardian's 100 Best Novels last week-I've included the link below, if you're interested.

The 100 best novels: No 85 – The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1966)

http://gu.com/p/47q4c

[Allan]

I'm currently reading-and loving-a NY anthology edited by John Freeman, Tales of Two Cities: The Best and Worst of Times In Today's New York, a book that I found out about via The Guardian's excellent review a few months ago.

I'm also listening to the third in Karl Ove Knausgaard's series of memoir novels, Boyhood Island: My Struggle Book 3, which goes into the same minute detail of the mundane as the previous stage, but has a more traditional narrative structure.

[Susan]

Trelawn, The Bell Jar is surprisingly not intimidating. it is about mental health issues and very moving. We read it in college and it had quite an impact on how I viewed things then. I think it would be worth your while to give it a go.

I don't know if this has been discussed and I missed it but Annie Enright has a new book coming out. It looks quite good. Does anybody have any info on it?

[[deleted user]]

Hi Allan,

Thank you for the link :-), I will definitely be taking a look

[Paul]

Trelawn gave up on that as well Emma I think so its not just you.

[Seraphina]

I wasn't a fan of life after life, felt it was overhyped