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What Are You Reading - Part Deux
message 1601:
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Chris
(new)
Oct 02, 2014 06:23PM
Just finished Night Film and loved it. Great writing and a story that stayed interesting throughout.
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Great book, Chris. I really enjoyed it.Starting Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha by Roddy Doyle today.
Jackie wrote: "Great book, Chris. I really enjoyed it."It really was. I mentioned in my review of it that it was kind of like 'Twin Peaks' and the mystery of 'who killed Laura Palmer?' if it was set in some seedy off Hollywood setting and focused on real life instead of being super odd.
The Bone Clock, by David Mitchell. I've read everything he's written.
Chris, I liked the photos and emails and other illustrations etc. I thought they really added something extra to the book.
I finally had a weekend where i could just read for two days. I finally finished
and
. I am now reading
,
,
, and
. I plan on going to the library to get more books at least by Wednesday. i have no classes on Tuesday so i can sleep in and read all i want, although i wish i had Monday off so that i can have two days off to read but i only have one day sadly.
Finished Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha (thank goodness) just 2 stars for me.Today I'm going to start reading A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash.
Renee wrote: "Paula wrote: "Renee wrote: "I'm re reading The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, in honor of Banned Books Week. The story is very appropriate since it's about America being taken over by a right ..."Agreed. So many layers in Atwood's story ...
Karen M wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "Thank you to Mitte for such a good and detailed review of Murakami's latest book.I have just finished "The Sleeping Dictionary" by Sujata Massey and enjoyed it very much - differen..."
Me too.
I'm 80 percent through Isabel Allende's
and have been enjoying it a lot. Its long though (I'm reading it on a kindle and was more than 30 percent through when I wondered just how long it is - 480 pages …).After that its on to some lighter fare; went on a splurge at the used book store last weekend and picked up some new authors for me: Batya Gur and Malla Nunn ...
After borrowing more books from the library and looking over my Kindle stash, I am now reading A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner. It is a story told from Ellis Island parallel to 2011 in Manhattan.
I'm currently sitting in bed at half 2 in the morning reading "fan girl" by rainbow Rowlle :DAt first I tried reading attachments by the same author but the writing style seemed abit too old for me :/ all these 30 tear olds who talk about weddings and getting pregnant and a weird creepy guy who's reading all your emails....yeeeaaahhh
I just finished Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. I found some stories funny, but the whole book was a little tiresome. I'm still working on Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier, and is being a great reading.
I just finished
and it was pretty good. I probably won't finish
and i will renew
since i am going to the library tomorrow (probably).
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne – 4**** This classic adventure tale was first published in 1870. Verne creates an imaginative and wondrous world. There are scenes that had me literally on the edge of my seat, but there were also long passages detailing the scientific classifications of underwater life that just about had me nodding off. Nemo is a marvelous villain – a seductive genius who can be charming, and yet with a deep-seated hatred of man and a skewed view of the world. I wish I knew more of his back story, of what made him what he is in this novel. James Frain did a fine job narrating the audiobook.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
i dropped
and i might pick it back up but i doubt it and after reading
for 4 hours this morning ( due to stupid brain waking me up at 5:50 and not letting me go back to sleep on the one day that i have no classes) i finally finished it even though the chapters were sooooo long. I am now reading
(for my series book),
,
, and
. While waiting for even more books (only 3) i am reading
from my kindle app on the computer and
on my iPod.
Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded by Simon Winchester – 3.5*** On August 27, 1883 the volcano Krakatoa exploded in a cataclysmic eruption that literally annihilated the island and killed over 36,000 people. This is a natural history of the island, the geological forces that led to its formation, destruction and rebirth, and the aftermath of that event. Winchester is a geologist as well as a writer, and so is the perfect person to pen this history. However, he seemed determined to include every bit of scientific research he uncovered. I’m sure I was influenced by having seen the PBS show about the volcano; I was expecting more action. Still it’s a fascinating story and I was mesmerized for most of it.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Starting A Cupboard Full of Coats by Yvette Edwards today.
Summer Knight by Jim Butcher – 3*** The formula is wearing thin for me in this fourth book in the series. Harry is taxed to the max, battling ghouls, vampires, wizards, trolls, ogres, faeries and even a plant monster. The White Council is against him and his temper gets the better of him, but he still has a few friends he can count on. I really like Harry as a character, and the action is fast-paced and interesting, but the series is getting repetitive.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This past month or so, I've read a number of books for my two English classes, and some more for pleasure.For my Women Writers class I've read:
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes [I have to say I think the movie is better than the book in this case, and I highly highly highly recommend watching the movie, which is very good. The book is something that I believe gets better with rereading, and also discussion and analysis. Also, learning about Anita Loos life is very fun, if you do read this book read the timeline of her life that is included in most versions.]
Lady Audley's Secret [An enjoyable read, though it is a book from the 19th century it is still fairly easy to read. It is kind of dark, but also the characters are a great fun to follow throughout their various and ridiculous actions.]
The House of Mirth [I quite like this book, much more than Wharton's most famous book Age of Innocence, though I read that one wanting to hate it as required reading in a class I really disliked. Also a 19th century book, if you like late 19th century writing this as well as Lady Audley's Secret and Emma should be enjoyable for you. Also kind of dark.]Emma [Very unlikeable protagonist, but I still managed to enjoy this story. If you like Jane Austen, I'd recommend this, though it is my least favorite of her books so far.]
And next we're reading
Passing.For my YA Lit class, I've read:
East [Really great adaptation of a Norwegian fairy tale, if you liked the movie Frozen then I think you'd like this. Very much a kind of fantasy/adventure book it is great for young boys and girls to read since it has an amazing representation of the main female character. Also, still very enjoyable for adults.]
The Lightning Thief (a reread for class) [Very simple, but if you don't mind it being targeted to a lower reading level this can be a great book. I'm now planning on rereading the rest of the series eventually, as well as the spin off series.]And we're next reading
SabrielFor pleasure I've read:
Eleanor and Park(a reread) [Can not recommend this book enough, I actually reread it both for pleasure and in order to write a paper on it for my YA lit class.] 
The Feminine Mystique [A great book for those who want to know more about second wave feminism, since this is the book that really kicked it all off. Definitely wouldn't recommend to someone who isn't well versed in the modern feminist dialogue, this is mostly a history book at this point.]
Escape from Camp 14 [This was a really great listen, also listened to this. It's short, about four hours, and a great book about North Korea that is really interesting and was something I looked forward to listening to each day.]
The Great Gatsby (also a reread) [I would highly recommend the audiobook that is read by the actor of the movie for any rereading, but I think the text is an absolute must for the first time reading.]Currently for pleasure I'm reading:
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass [It's a good insight into the life of a slave, though I'm only 1/3 of the way through and I'd say the writing is a little dry. I'm listening to this on audiobooks, and I think its great to listen to in the background while doing things like cooking.]
Days of Blood and Starlight [So far not as good as the first book in the series, and I'm about half way through so I don't have a lot of hope that it's really going to suck me in as much as the first did.]Wow, listing those out made me feel great, that is a very good amount of reading for about a month (maybe a month and a half now that we're into october).
I finished A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty
yesterday. It definitely wins my prize for the best surprise of the year! The only reason I read it was the 5 star rating by a Goodreads friend who has very similar taste to mine. It sounds and looks like a standard chick-lit book, doesn't it? Well, it isn't - it's a really great novel; wonderful characters, riveting story, beautifully written. Told from the perspectives of grandmother, mother and daughter, which was interesting and the voices very well done. When I wasn't reading it, I could think of little else and I even dreamt about the characters! Absolutely 5 stars from me!
Jessica wrote: "This past month or so, I've read a number of books ..."Thank you for a very interesting list of books, Jessica, and excellent comments!
I'm reading
. It's pretty good so far. Cheney writes a chapter and then his doctor writes a chapter. Has the history of heart disease if you like to read medical books.
Annalie wrote: "Jessica wrote: "This past month or so, I've read a number of books ..."Thank you for a very interesting list of books, Jessica, and excellent comments!"
Of course! A Grown Up Kind of Pretty sounds really interesting, I think I'll have to check that out soon. I love multi-generational stories, and especially love stories that have female protagonists. It's been added to my to-read list, hopefully I'll get to it soon. :)
I am currently reading Diane Chamberlain's newest book, The Silent Sister and listening to Lisette's List by Susan Vreeland, author of The Girl with the Pearl Earring.
I'm going to start reading The Birth House by Ami McKay later today.
Just started An Artist of the Floating World. It's slow so far but I have complete faith Ishiguro will get the story going very soon.
Jackie wrote: "I'm going to start reading The Birth House by Ami McKay later today.I have this one on my list, let me know how you like it.
Just finished Cold Mountain that was such an excellent reading! I absolutely loved it. Started yesterday All the Light We Cannot See.
I continue to listen to Lisette's List by Susan Vreeland which is a wonderful book, reading Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer, a library book and In the Courtyard of the Kabbalist by Rucahma King Freurman.
Sandra wrote: "Just finished Cold Mountain that was such an excellent reading! I absolutely loved it. Started yesterday All the Light We Cannot See."
You finished a great book and you are starting another really good book. I enjoyed both of them so much, I hope you do too.
I'm reading The Camomile Lawn and a much lighter read,Just Add Trouble and enjoying them both so far.
Hi Karen, Cold Mountain was just wonderful. The writing is so beautiful...I'm 34% into All the Light We Cannot See, and enjoying it a lot. I'm finding the story of those kids very touching.
Curious to see how do you like The Camomile Lawn. It sound interesting.
I'm about to start The Undertaking by Audrey Magee.
I finally finished reading
after being stuck on it for over a week. I seemed to always have some sort of paper to write for my English class. I am now going to read
and
. I plan to finish them by the end of the weekend so i can read my other books that i really want to read.
Going to start reading The Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfeld.
Am about 40% through The Scorch Trials, it's a very good read (It's Book 2 of the Maze Runner series) and I would totally recommend it if you are into Dystopian/Fiction. (Just remember to read Book 1 first. Lol.)
Just finished "Vanity Fair," now it's on to "Clockwork Prince!"
Winterkill by C J Box – 3*** Book # 3 in the Joe Pickett series has multiple plot lines: a federal bureaucrat’s murder, his foster daughter’s mother wants her back, and a couple of egomaniacal government officials think nothing of jeopardizing other people’s safety for their political gain. Joe Pickett is the quintessential “good guy.” I read the series mostly because of him. However, I thought the plot got overly complicated in this novel.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman – 3*** This is a memoir of the author’s time as a prisoner at the Women’s Federal Correction Facility on a drug charge. I wasn’t eager to read it and the first chapter almost made me pull the plug, but once she started detailing her life at Danbury the narrative grew on me. What really redeemed the book was Kerman’s depiction of the women she met at Danbury. Despite their limited education, and criminal records they were generous and kind to “the new girl.” Mostly, they taught her to face her past and become accountable for her own role in winding up in prison. Cassandra Campbell does a fine job performing the audiobook.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I recently finished the Australian classic, Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay, and found it to be an elegant, intriguing, quite chilling if also rather frustrating book - 4★s.Here is my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Away by Amy Bloom – 3.5*** Lillian Leyb escapes Russia when her family is killed in a pogrom. Alone in America and determined to succeed, she learns to use others as she, herself, is being used. Once she hears that her daughter may have survived, she sets out on an epic odyssey from New York’s Lower East Side to Seattle and Alaska en route to Siberia. She endures setbacks that would break a weaker person, and encounters a host of colorful characters who are richly drawn. The story isn’t always linear, so even though Barbara Rosenblatt does a marvelous job of narrating the audio book, I’d recommend reading rather than listening.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Scorch Trials, Book #2 in the Maze Runner series by James Dashner. It's very fast-paced, which I enjoy, it's just that this dystopian book doesn't compare to some of the larger known ones, like Divergent and the Hunger Games. I'm planning on reading James Dashner's new series next, called the Mortality Doctrine series. If you've heard of it or read it, I would really appreciate it if you let me know how it is, because the Scorch Trials isn't as consistent as the Maze Runner (Book #1 in the series.)
Notes on a Scandal by Zoe Heller – 4**** Originally titled What Was She Thinking. Barbara narrates as she records her observations of her friend and fellow-teacher’s affair with an underaged male student. Sheba is obsessed with the affair, emotionally stressed and not thinking straight. But the reader slowly becomes aware that Barbara is also emotionally damaged- equally obsessed with her friendship with Sheba and jealous of Sheba’s relationships with others. What Barbara reveals about herself in recording Sheba’s story is more subtle and interesting than the story she is trying to tell. She is dangerous woman to have as a “friend.”
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sally wrote: "I recently finished the Australian classic, Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay, and found it to be an elegant, intriguing, quite chilling if also rather frustratin..."Adding this to my TBR. Great review.
perks of being a wallflower:
my name is red
as I lay dying
There are other unfinished books too but I want to seriously finish these before going back to them. I'm also in the middle of producing the print version of The Governess but that's a separate thing - PLUS searching for a job! Too much on plate! AAAARGH!
Maggie wrote: "Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray. It is extremely interesting, and highly amusing. :)"Thank you! Was just reminded of another classic I haven't read! TBR'd.
I am reading the Mortal Engines series by Phillip Reeve, a truly classic set
Holy crap! I just finished the Scorch Trials, and the ending was pure amazing! Like the first half of the book was pretty much just fillers, but in the end it turned the corner! I can't wait to read the Death Cure
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