You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion
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Chit Chat About Books
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What are you Reading and Why
Re: Speaks the NightbirdIsn't it good we can all voice different opinions here!
For me, just for me, I objected to the inaccuracy of the historical details. I felt that the characters, given their past life experiences, would not behave as they do. I found the language to be crude, and I am not prissy, but there are limits to my tolerance. It is acceptable to put uncouth characters acting in a disgusting manner in a novel, but I do not appreciate writing where the author wants us to revel in such depravity.
Just how I reacted.
I can see your points Chrissie. I didn't notice the inaccuracy of historical details. I have plans to read this book again, and will look for this.
Debra wrote: "I can see your points Chrissie. I didn't notice the inaccuracy of historical details. I have plans to read this book again, and will look for this."Whatever! I am glad you liked it! I appreciate that different opinions can be voiced. I hate it when people start getting nasty, or start demanding that others must agree.
I noticed that a lot of people put Speaks the Nightbird down as historical fiction. I haven't finished reading the book yet, but I'm not sure that I would classify it as HF. While it is set in 1699, it doesn't portray actual events or people (other than the mention of Cotton Mather's book). Perhaps I am prejudiced by McCammon's reputation based on his previous works in the horror genre. I'm not expecting historical accuracy in this book. I'm expecting McCammon to expose peoples' attitudes in prejudices, hate, fear, religion, justice.... the list goes on. While the story is set in 1699, attitudes today are similar. We may have learned that witches don't exist in the manner they believed during the witch trials. But, we have our own "witch hunts" today.
I like that we can discuss books and voice differing opinions in this group, in a respectful manner. I appreciate Chrissie's viewpoint. She always tells us what she liked or didn't like about a book and why it did or didn't resonate with her. That is far more useful than someone saying, "I didn't like the book. It was crap!" I can now take Chrissie's feedback, and Debra's, and keep it in mind as I formulate my own impressions of the book.
Oh, and Debra... if you have seen the October challenge which has now been posted, here's your opportunity to read it again. Hehehehe!
Last night, I started my N book for the alphabet challenge - Nyx. It was a Kindle freebie, and I started to groan when I discovered Faeries and witches in Hell. But, as I read on, I discovered that Nyx had quite the sense of humour that had me chuckling. Considering the fact that I just finished two very deep and depressing books - The Handmaid's Tale and Matterhorn while battling a nasty cold, this light fluffy silly book might be just what I need.
Janice wrote: "I noticed that a lot of people put Speaks the Nightbird down as historical fiction. I haven't finished reading the book yet, but I'm not sure that I would classify it as HF. While it is set in 16..."Exactly, and soon you will have your own personal pov. :0)
Yes I have certain individuals whose reviews I look for for certain genres. For instance Chrissie I look for opinion on works of non-fiction. A couple other not in this group are good in sci-fi others in the classics and others in fantasy etc. I am not a good reviewer but there are 10 or so people who write very thorough reviews and although my opinion of a book may differ from theirs in the end I still seek out these reviews first because they are so informative.
Travis of NNY wrote: "Yes I have certain individuals whose reviews I look for for certain genres. For instance Chrissie I look for opinion on works of non-fiction. A couple other not in this group are good in sci-fi ot..."My ears always perk up when you talk about fantasy genre. :)
Janice wrote: "Travis of NNY wrote: "Yes I have certain individuals whose reviews I look for for certain genres. For instance Chrissie I look for opinion on works of non-fiction. A couple other not in this group..."I am starting to know this group enough that i do also get a feeling of similarity and differences with me. This is what makes a group hard on the TBR. :)
I have to take the time to write at least a bit about the book i read. Hmmmm. here's a resolution in the making.
Janice wrote: "Oh, and Debra... if you have seen the October challenge which has now been posted, here's your opportunity to read it again. Hehehehe!"Oh, reaallly? Going to check it out, now!
I finished
and absolutely loved it! 5 stars. Now I'm starting
which I got for review.
I just finished reading Dark Places and I thought it was amazing. Now on to The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency which is a group read in another group on Goodreads. It's been on my shelf for ages so pleased to finally read it, however it might appear a little dull after the book I just read.
Sarah wrote: "I just finished reading Dark Places and I thought it was amazing. Now on to The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency which is a group read in another group on Goodreads. It's been on my shelf for ages so..."Both favorites of mine. Although vastly different, they are both great surprises in reading experience. Not at all typical.
I finished The Sun Also Rises and think this is Hemingway's very best. I loved it.My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Now I have moved on to Give Me Tomorrow: The Korean War's Greatest Untold Story. I have yet to find a good book of fiction set in the Koreas.
Over the last 3 and a bit weeks I have read:Love in the Time of Cholera - was disappointed. Not as good as the hype lead me to expect
Mahu - Murder mystery/detective story set in Hawaii. A friend of mine's guilty pleasure reads. Fluffy and gets a bit naughty too.
Something Fresh - challenge read. And finally I popped my P.G. Wodehouse cherry.
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency - Again, pretty good, but didn't quiet live up to the hype again. I think I will go back for another at some stage though...
and Out Stealing Horses - Brilliant. All the things I love about Scandinavian lit. Bitter-sweet story telling at it's best.
Currently reading Popular Music from Vittula and loving it so far. Almost short stories about a young boy in the most northern part of Sweden (in the Arctic Circle). Beautifully written and a lot of magic realism, which suits, as I know that's how I thought at 5!
Rusalka wrote: "Over the last 3 and a bit weeks I have read:Love in the Time of Cholera - was disappointed. Not as good as the hype lead me to expect
Mahu - Murder mystery/detective story set in Hawaii. A friend ..."
I liked To Siberia even better than Out Stealing Horses! Very Scandinavian; he captures rural life there perfectly. City life is of course very different.
Almeta wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I just finished reading Dark Places and I thought it was amazing. Now on to The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency which is a group read in another group on Goodreads. It's been on my she..."I agree! Loved both of those books. I just finished
Dark Places as well. I will definitely read whatever Gillian Flynn writes in the future. I love her writing style!
Chrissie wrote: "I liked To Siberia even better than Out Stealing Horses! Very Scandinavian; he captures rural life there perfectly. City life is of course very different. "I was just going to check out his other books. Cheers Chrissie!
Kimberly wrote: "I'm reading 
and it's delightful :)"
That's one of my books of last year. Read it with our book group and I just loved it - finished it in one sitting. Then went & bought it & read it again.
The ending (which I won't spoil) is inspired!
and it's delightful :)"That's one of my books of last year. Read it with our book group and I just loved it - finished it in one sitting. Then went & bought it & read it again.
The ending (which I won't spoil) is inspired!
Reading Pigs In Heaven just because it was on my ereader. Am listening to Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang which is an odd dystopian sci-fi tale written in the 1970's. Climate change, radiation and pollution are the culprits. Its starting to pick up speed now (its my running listening book), and was listening to Curse of the Blue Tattoo: Being an Account of the Misadventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman and Fine Lady in the car but unfortunately it didn't download properly so will have to give it up. This one I can't figure out what audience the author is going after but it was engaging enough for while I am driving (without being so engaging as to make me a dangerous driver)
Shannon wrote: "... and was listening to Curse of the Blue Tattoo: Being an Account of the Misadventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman and Fine Lady in the car but unfortunately it didn't download properly so will have to give it up. This one I can't figure out what audience the author is going after but it was engaging enough for while I am driving (without being so engaging as to make me a dangerous driver)..."The title is a crack up! Does one have/need to read Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy first or is this a stand alone?
Helen wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "I'm reading and it's delightful :)"That's one of my books of last year. Read it with our book group and I just loved it - finished it in on..."
I'm taking my time with it, since it's so short I don't want to rush the ending but the Queen is so cute :)
Read the original story Peter Pan because NOS4A2 and The Child Thief seem similarly themed in the non-Disney version. Almeta's Review of PanRead The Kill-Off. Twisted author, Jim Thompson is a Stephen King Recommended favorite. I can see why. Almeta's Review of Kill-Off, well really of Jim Thompson's work
Read The Ax. Had to get my Donald E. Westlake on! For the ABC Challenge. Reminded me of the Michael Douglas movie Falling Down for some reason. Not at all related except for "being fed-up" with being a model citizen and feeling hopeless and disrespected no matter how one tries.
Starting the next ABC, The Book of Night Women.
Still reading Dark Places for a Books Stephen King Recommends group read. This is a re-read for me, so I am taking it in at a slower pace.
Cherie wrote: "Shannon wrote: "... and was listening to Curse of the Blue Tattoo: Being an Account of the Misadventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman and Fine Lady in the car but unfortunately it didn't download pro..."I don't think so. I thought "Curse" was the first one on my ipod so started with that and there is enough to fill you in so although they are a series I think you can read them out of order or as a stand alone. Others may cringe at this though...
Almeta wrote: "Read the original story Peter Pan because NOS4A2 and The Child Thief seem similarly themed in the non-Disney version. Almeta's Review of PanRead The Kill-Off. Twisted author, Jim Thompson is ..."
The Book of Night Women is very good, ie four stars. If you can listen to it, narrated by Robin Miles.
Shannon wrote: "Cherie wrote: "Shannon wrote: "... and was listening to Curse of the Blue Tattoo: Being an Account of the Misadventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman and Fine Lady in the car but unfortunately it didn..."I found "Bloody Jack" on my Library To Go site and downloaded it to my iPod to listen to it. I only listened to the first 20 minutes last night though.
I started reading
. I'm using it for my "T" book for the alphabet challenge, plus I got it in a Goodreads giveaway recently. It's presetnted as Horror so I think I could use it for the October Horror Book Group read (if alpha challenge books are allowed). Only a little way in, but I'm intrigues.
Just started reading Sharp Objects for my S book. I'm also still reading The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.
I finished the audiobook Give Me Tomorrow: The Korean War's Greatest Untold StoryMy review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Yes, I am very glad I read it. I have read several books about the Vietnam War, but my knowledge of the Korean War was lacking.
I have begun Family Matters and the narration by Martin Jarvis is captivating. I am hoping it will be as good as A Fine Balance.
Are you going to come and discuss it with us, Almeta?
Finished The Book of Night Women.Almeta's Review of Night Women
Still reading Dark Places for a Books Stephen King Recommends group read. This is a re-read for me, so I am taking it in at a slower pace.
Starting the next ABC, Cranbrook Design: The New Discourse.
Janice wrote: "Are you going to come and discuss it with us, Almeta?"I just might pop in!☺
I am listening to The Graveyard Book ( and loving it so far) and reading Flaggermusmannen(The Bat - which is Harry Hole #1). This is my third Jo Nesbø book ( The Snowman and The Redbreast? It is interesting to be introduced to Harry from the beginning but so far this book is not as strong as the others I've read.
Roz wrote: "I started reading . I'm using it for my "T" book for the alphabet challenge, plus I got it in a Goodreads giveaway recently. It's presetnted as Horror so I think I cou..."I have an ARC of that one I have to get to soon. How are you liking it Roz?
I started
and I'm loving it. Already halfway through and I'm hoping to be done by the time I go to bed.
Kimberly wrote: "Roz wrote: "I started reading . I'm using it for my "T" book for the alphabet challenge, plus I got it in a Goodreads giveaway recently. It's presetnted as Horror so I..."I'm loving it. It has elements of Lord of the Flies and Goonies. I love it when I manage to get a Goodreads who doesn't know his heritage. I'm curious to know who Nick Cutter really is. Any ideas?
Roz wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "Roz wrote: "I started reading . I'm using it for my "T" book for the alphabet challenge, plus I got it in a Goodreads giveaway recently. It's presetnt..."Not sure if you're familiar with the British Tv show Primeval, but the name Nick Cutter was one of the main characters I wonder if he's a fan of the show since it aired here in Canada as well.
Been I while since I checked in so I've finished The Shining, Steelheart Sanderson's newest release which was a people vs evil super heroes fantasy type thing. Pretty good but have to figure out where to shelve it. Surprisingly to myself really enjoying The Book Thief. Oddly enough the last 2 titles both claim to be YA strange since I'm anti YA books to find and enjoy 2 in one week. Also started Leviathan Wakes. Finished Doomsday Book which is just a very well written time travel book which I could recommend to just about anyone who likes a little time travel sci fi. Started Irish Fairy and Folk Tales there may have been another book or two in the mix I can't even remember.
I really don't know why The Book Thief is considered YA all of a sudden. Markus Zusak is an Aussie and the book wasn't marketed as YA over here. Just was just fiction. I wonder if it is something that came out of the international market?Anyways, really glad you're enjoying it.
I am visiting my favorite future genre, Star Trek, and reading The Sundered. I miss Kirk and Spock, but Sulu and Chekov on the Excelsior will do. The year is 2298.
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You'll love this one...!! A book club & more
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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The Cuckoo's Calling- for my RL book club
Unnatural Fire- for my alphabet challenge.
I'm saving Shadow of Nig..."
It is interesting to read everyone's opinions about the Discovery of Night books. I read the first book and I thought it was annoying in some parts, but I was still interested enough to read the second one. I barely made it through Shadow of the Night without quitting. Way too long with way too much fluff. I have promised myself that I will NOT be picking up the third one when it comes out.