What Are You Currently Reading? (doesn't have to be an Aussie book) Showing 11,301-11,350 of 15,617

[Jo]

Thank you Dale.

[Tango]

As an English teacher I have read some of these comments with amusement. I wonder what books my students will hate? I try to pick ones that they will at least be able to appreciate. As for me the book I hated was the first book we read in high school I Can Jump Puddles. I just remember feeling so disappointed with high school English. Luckily it got better and I don't remember even disliking any others.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

I started reading The Martian by Andy Weir. It is not very exciting so far but the reviews are good so I guess it gets going later.

[Andrea]

Tango wrote: "As an English teacher I have read some of these comments with amusement. I wonder what books my students will hate? I try to pick ones that they will at least be able to appreciate. As for me the b..."

I've been reading this discussion with interest, too. The funny thing for me is that I can't remember the bad ones at all - just the ones that became firm favourites (To Kill a Mockingbird and Jane Eyre), to be read over and over again, and one in particular that has always stayed at the back of my mind - The Pigman. I must read that again one day.

[Susan]

Hi Tango!

My high school years were a *long* time ago, and I'm sure English teaching methods have become more sophisticated since then, but I'm pretty sure that the reason my friends and I hated particular books wasn't the books themselves, but the way they were taught.

Whether or not we enjoyed the books, or what we thought about them, was irrelevant as long as we could churn out essays. We were highly trained exam-passing machines. In fact, I came in the top 10% in HSC English in my state and I never finished most of the assigned books.

Sorry for the rant — I guess this discussion stirred up some old memories! (For what it's worth, we all loathed I Can Jump Puddles too.)

[Kathryn]

Andrea wrote: "Tango wrote: "As an English teacher I have read some of these comments with amusement. I wonder what books my students will hate? I try to pick ones that they will at least be able to appreciate. A..."

That's funny - I remember hating The Pigman after reading the blurb and finding To Kill a Mockingbird tedious at the start, and complaining about having to read both (I happily read most other books) - I got into To Kill a Mockingbird after about a dozen pages and loved it, and I found The Pigman OK - not great, but OK, in the end - no desire to revisit it!

[Angela]

I've finished After the Quake and have started The Casual Vacancy.... I see the reviews are quite varied for this one so I am a bit wary...

[K]

Tango wrote: "As an English teacher I have read some of these comments with amusement. I wonder what books my students will hate? I try to pick ones that they will at least be able to appreciate. As for me the b..."

What I always disliked about books in English wasn't actually the book itself, but the tearing apart of every aspect of every chapter to critique and find the "deeper meaning", thus completely ruining any enjoyment I got out of the book in the first place. It also happened with a film I didn't mind before we did it in English: 'Witness' starring Harrison Ford. 15 years later and I STILL can't watch that film. English ruins everything!

[Dale]

Tango wrote: "As an English teacher I have read some of these comments with amusement. I wonder what books my students will hate? I try to pick ones that they will at least be able to appreciate. As for me the b..."

Glad we have amused you rather than annoyed you with our comments Tango. It sound like you are trying to pick ones your classes will appreciate, unlike an English teacher I heard of who refused to teach a book written by a woman and instead chose The Adventures of Tom Sawyer for a class made up of mostly girls. They hated it and would have preferred the other book Wuthering Heights Can't say I blame them there.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Last night I finishedIsla's Inheritance by Cassandra Page. It was a good read.
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Michael]

Currently reading Merciless Gods by Christos Tsiolkas, which is full of transgressive goodness

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I finished Eleven Hours by Paullina Simons about an hour ago - absolutely brilliant! 5★s

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I finished Mastermind by Helen Goltz last night 5★s

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Dana]

I have just finished This Shattered World the second in the Starbound Trilogy, 3.5 stars. Not as enjoyable as the first for me, but a good read from the Australian authors, I look forward to the third instalment.

I had written a better entry than this but my iPad had a glitch and deleted it, Ce la vie.

[Bernie]

Dana wrote: "I have just finished This Shattered World the second in the Starbound Trilogy, 3.5 stars. Not as enjoyable as the first for me, but a good read from the Australian authors, I look f..."

Perhaps your iPad does not like the French. Some Americans do not.

[Dana]

Bernie, it did have to excuse my French after the incident, so perhaps you are right, perhaps it knew I had the French in me :-)

[B the BookAddict]

While in hospital, I started Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. owing to the strong drug I was on, I have read the first 82 pages about five times and it still made no sense. Have it re-start this one.

Last night, I started Stormbird by Conn Iggulden; it's about The War of the Roses, a period in British history that I love.

[Carolyn]

B the BookAddict wrote: "While in hospital, I started Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. owing to the strong drug I was on, I have read the first 82 pages about five times and it still made no s..."

Burial Rites is pretty slow going, particularly at the start, so probably not a good read when you're not 100%. Maybe put it away for some other time Bette :)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

B the BookAddict wrote: "While in hospital, I started Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. owing to the strong drug I was on, I have read the first 82 pages about five times and it still made no s..."

Last time I was in hospital I read Georgette Heyer books. No concentration required and still rewarding.

[Carolyn]

Phrynne wrote: "B the BookAddict wrote: "While in hospital, I started Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. owing to the strong drug I was on, I have read the first 82 pages about five tim..."

Sounds like perfect hospital reading!

[Ashleigh]

B the BookAddict wrote: "Last night, I started Stormbird by Conn Iggulden; it's about The War of the Roses, a period in British history that..."

I want to read this one, I enjoy the historical fictions based around the royals. I hope you enjoy it.

[Dale]

Carolyn wrote: "B the BookAddict wrote: "While in hospital, I started Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. owing to the strong drug I was on, I have read the first 82 pages about five tim..."

I agree with Carolyn, when you're not felling 100percent, time to stick with favourite genres and authors that don't require maximum concentration.Hope things improve soon Bette. Be kind to yourself.

[Mish]

Just started yesterday The Visitors by Rebecca Mascull . First person narrative by deaf and blind girl. Only 30 pages in but I’m instantly drawn into her world of confusion and frustrations. I think I’m really going to like this novel :)

@Michael (SA) you read this novel, didn't you?

[Mish]

Michael wrote: "Currently reading Merciless Gods by Christos Tsiolkas, which is full of transgressive goodness"

Yep I like what I hear Michael :) I hope to be able to read it soon.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

B the BookAddict wrote: "While in hospital, I started Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. owing to the strong drug I was on, I have read the first 82 pages about five times and it still made no s..."

Burial Rites is a book where you need to be able to concentrate and lose yourself in the world they inhabit. Definitely not a read for a hospital:)

[Mish]

Michael wrote: "I did Mish and thought it was a wonderful read. It was quite fascinating to read a book from the perspective of a young person with a disabilty and how she learns to overcome things."

So true! And the writer did it so well with what I’ve read so far. She (writer) manages to give you a such vivid understanding of what’s going on in the background, even though Liza doesn’t understand it just yet.

You’re right…it is fascinating and wonderful!!

I’ll read your review as soon as I finish the book, and will let you know what I think when I’ve come to the end :)

[Neko]

Michael wrote: "I've started Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks and it is very funny"

This does sound rather good!

[Michael]

Laura wrote: "Michael wrote: "I've started Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks and it is very funny"

This does sound rather good!"

I'm having a good laugh

[Dale]

Currently reading and enjoying

[Cassandra]

Brenda wrote: "B the BookAddict wrote: "While in hospital, I started Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. owing to the strong drug I was on, I have read the first 82 pages about five tim..."

I read from cover to cover while I was in hospital a couple of months ago. My memory of the plot details is a little hazy, but I enjoyed the book better than the first one in the series. Not sure if that's because of the book or because of the painkillers I was on at the time! ;) If you're going to be heavily medicated, a story about Wonderland is a great place to start.

[Shelleyrae]

I just finished Christos Tsiolkas new short story collection Merciless Gods which was pretty merciless - brutal and explicit but powerful

Now I am starting John Marsden's newest South of Darkness

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Shelleyrae wrote: "I just finished Christos Tsiolkas new short story collection Merciless Gods which was pretty merciless - brutal and explicit but powerful

Now I am starting John Marsden's newest [b..."

Interested to hear about this latest from John Marsden Shelleyrae.

[Dale]

Interested to hear what the John Marsden is like.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michael wrote: "Just finished reading Graveyard of the Atlantic and found it to another great read. Will post my review soon.

Now Brenda, i need once again the services of that lucky coin of yours..."

Nightingale Michael:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Shelleyrae wrote: "I just finished Christos Tsiolkas new short story collection Merciless Gods which was pretty merciless - brutal and explicit but powerful

Now I am starting John Marsden's newest [b..."

I'll also be interested in your thoughts on [book:South of Darkness|22881985] Shelleyrae. I'd love to read it I think:)

[Mish]

Shelleyrae wrote: "I just finished Christos Tsiolkas new short story collection Merciless Gods which was pretty merciless - brutal and explicit but powerful

Now I am starting John Marsden's newest

Oh how exciting Shelleyrae. You're the first of my friends that is reading the new Marsden book :) can't wait to hear what it's like!

[Melbourne]

Finished The Tree of Man
Now reading

Really enjoyed The Tree of Man. Brilliant style. Unlike anything i've read for ages

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Finished The Martian by Andy Weir. Hmmm.
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sally906]

Shelleyrae wrote: "I just finished Christos Tsiolkas new short story collection Merciless Gods which was pretty merciless - brutal and explicit but powerful

Now I am starting John Marsden's newest [b..."
Looking forwards to your thoughts on Marsden's new book - have been eyeing it off :)

[Liza]

I just finished As You Wish:Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride. I think it is my favorite book from 2014. (Cary Elwes)

[B the BookAddict]

Cassandra wrote: "Brenda wrote: "B the BookAddict wrote: "While in hospital, I started Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. owing to the strong drug I was on, I have read the first 82 pages..."

lol, maybe I should have taken Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll with me. That would have provided an accompanying 'trip' to the drugs I was on:D

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

B the BookAddict wrote: "Cassandra wrote: "Brenda wrote: "B the BookAddict wrote: "While in hospital, I started Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. owing to the strong drug I was on, I have read ..."

Lol, you could probably write your own now Bette! Btw Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll is in my top five for fantasy. I often wonder what he must have been on when he wrote that! :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Liza wrote: "I just finished As You Wish:Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride. I think it is my favorite book from 2014. (Cary Elwes)"

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes

[Susan]

Melbourne wrote: "Finished The Tree of Man

Really enjoyed The Tree of Man. Brilliant style. Unlike anything i've read for ages"

I feel that my 18-year old self should award you a medal! Perhaps Patrick White is wasted on the young.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished Gemma's Bluff by Karly Lane at midnight last night! 4.5★s

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sally906]

B the BookAddict wrote: "lol, maybe I should have taken Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll with me. That would have provided an accompanying 'trip' to the drugs I was on:D ..."

the magic mushroom comes to mind - with the caterpiller sitting on it smoking something and advising Alice to eat one side to grow and the other side to shrink :)

I read this interesting article about whether Alice in Wonderland was a drug induced story with hidden meanings - or just plain entertainment: http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-1925...

[Susan]

Sally906 wrote: "B the BookAddict wrote: "lol, maybe I should have taken Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll with me. That would have provided an accompanying 'trip' to the drugs I was on:D ..."

the magic mushro..."

Thanks for the article — as it suggests, the implied use of hallucinogenic substances probably says more about the reader than the author.

[Susan]

I've just finished Stranger Here: How Weight-Loss Surgery Transformed My Body and Messed with My Head. Jen Larsen is such a talented writer! Perhaps we should petition her publisher to print her as-yet unpublished novel.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Edited to add: I see that Jen's novel will be published next year: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1.... Sounds interesting...

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Susan wrote: "Sally906 wrote: "B the BookAddict wrote: "lol, maybe I should have taken Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll with me. That would have provided an accompanying 'trip' to the drugs I was on:D ..."
..."

Well that's one opinion...not that it matters either way to me what he was on..if anything..I still have to wonder though! ;) I just love Alice in Wonderland and think it is a brilliant piece of work.
Although I think we often over analyze things, especially these kinds of books. The beauty is that it means different things to different people and every time I read it again I get something more from it...and that, to me, is a great thrill, and a testament to the author's skill.

*"Ultimately, perhaps it's more enjoyable for the full intentions of the author to remain unknown during the reading of the book."

"In a way, it doesn't matter," says Browne. "I don't think Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland to be interpreted. He wrote it to entertain."

*Extract from http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-1925...

[Andrea]

Liza wrote: "I just finished As You Wish:Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride. I think it is my favorite book from 2014. (Cary Elwes)"

I might have to take a look at that one!