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What have you just read? Opinions, recommendations & reviews
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Nov 10, 2013 02:36AM
Laura, Sunday sounds like a strange day to be doing this sort of thing.... hopefully they'll get it over with quickly :)
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Shirley - "Chocky" is about a little boy who has what is thought to be an imaginary friend. If you've read it you will know from that reminder! I think it's incredibly poignant and would love to read it again.
Every time I see the title 'Chocky' I think of Chucky....which gives me the creeps.
LauraT wrote: "Dhanaraj wrote: "Finished The Leopard. A lovely book with superb descriptions and interesting characters in the backdrop of an all the more interesting historical events. A must read..."I did not see the entire film. But I saw some clippings from the from in Youtube. They were good. I loved this clipping.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr_F56...
No no NO Pink! Altogether different and very moving. :)
Dhanaraj wrote: "LauraT wrote: "Dhanaraj wrote: "Finished The Leopard. A lovely book with superb descriptions and interesting characters in the backdrop of an all the more interesting historical even..."I watched the film before I knew that it was based on a book, and although beautiful, it was too slow for my tastes. I much prefered the book, but maybe I should give the film another try...
Jean wrote: "No no NO Pink! Altogether different and very moving. :)"LOL!
I finished The Ice Princess this evening. It was somewhat predictable, but I enjoyed it. It is the first in a Swedish detective series, and I plan to pick up the second next time I'm at the library. The detective in this series, Patrik Hedstrom, is refreshingly normal (so far anyway). I guess I am comparing him to Harry Hole, since I'm also reading The Bat. I am no expert of the mystery genre, but from what I've read I feel that most detectives are written the same way. They're single, hate themselves, have a chip on their shoulder, alcoholic, etc. Patrik was easier to like.
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I liked it better than the second - The Preacher.
I finished The Name of the Wind last night. I enjoyed it a lot, although for a book that's 600 pages long I don't really feel like a lot happened.
Kristi wrote: "I am no expert of the mystery genre, but from what I've read I feel that most detectives are written the same way. They're single, hate themselves, have a chip on their shoulder, alcoholic, etc. Patrik was easier to like...."You just summarized why I don't like a lot of modern mysteries! If you like more "normal" detectives (or ones who don't talk about their private lives and problems!), try older mysteries!
I have finished The Bat. It was fine, but I don't have much to say about it. It is what it is. I will likely read more in the series.
This evening I finished up a pretty obscure title that hasn't quite made it yet into the Good Reads database: More Strange Unsolved Mysteries, by Emile Schurmacher. Published in 1969, its a collection of 34 tales of the paranormal and the unknown. There's the obvious stuff like ghosts, UFOs, Bermuda Triangle and telepathy...but then there are some really interesting chapters about strange deaths, odd examples of synchronicity, etc. Obviously some info is a little outdated, but I've got plenty of inspiration for my blog!I also finished Hard Luck. My nephew and I started reading the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series together when it first came out and its been sort of a tradition with us ever since. I liked it, but didn't love it; it's gotten to the point where its too formulaic and I find myself laughing out loud a little less with each book. It's still cute, entertaining, and a great comfort read, so as long as they keep getting published, I'll keep reading them!
Kristi wrote: "I have finished The Bat. It was fine, but I don't have much to say about it. It is what it is. I will likely read more in the series."I've read another of the Harry Hole books - "The Redeemer", and I quite liked the character of Harry Hole - flawed, but quite likeable. The only trouble is, I didn't read the first in the series - so I had to piece together the back story, but it was still good. I think "The Bat" is the first one, is that right, Kristi?
These Things Hidden BY Heather Gudenkauf This read like a young adult novel to me. The writing was mediocre at best. The subject matter was somewhat interesting, and very emotional. It was a tragic story. But because of poor execution I gave it 2 stars. Not highly recommended.
Shirley wrote: "Kristi wrote: "I have finished The Bat. It was fine, but I don't have much to say about it. It is what it is. I will likely read more in the series."I've read another of the Harry..."
Yes Shirley, The Bat is the first in the series. I think it is strange that it's about a Norwegian detective but takes place in Australia. It was just released here in the US in July, and the second in the series will be released in February. However, I believe that all others in the series are available. I have read The Redbreast, but I'm glad to be able to go back to the beginning.
I flew through Dance Hall of the Dead in audiobook format -- excellent mystery set in the Navajo & Zuni reservations in the American Southwest, it offers some interesting insight into native American culture (primarily Navajo, as the main character is Navajo). I would recommend it even if mysteries aren't normally your cup of tea.
I have finished Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage: Stories by Alice Munro and I didn't like it a lot. I don't feel to recommend it.
Kristi wrote: "Shirley wrote: "Kristi wrote: "I have finished The Bat. It was fine, but I don't have much to say about it. It is what it is. I will likely read more in the series."I've read anot..."
Thanks, Kristi, I will have to read The Bat first, then. I have The Redbreast ready to read on my shelf, but I think I'd rather read them in order.
Just finished Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan, my first McEwan, which I've rather enjoyed, I'll definitely read him again. Having said that it was a good read (!) rather than a great one, but I enjoyed it because it kept me guessing, although not in the usual 'who-dunnit' sense! Very cleverly written, lots of meaty literary devices to get your teeth into, and the issues that were annoying me were all explained & tied up rather neatly by the end, very satisfyingly! I wouldn't call it a spy novel as such, and you may be a little disappointed if you have that expectation going in, more a book that happens to contain spies, but it raises lots of interesting issues. Next up is a Tracy Chevalier recommended by Jean - I even broke my usual £2 maximum rule Jean! Remarkable Creatures await me! Edit: I've just realised I didn't answer the question, would I recommend it? Well, yes I would, but I think this is one of those 'marmite' moments - you'll either love it or you hate it, the reviews seem to bear that theory out. However DON'T READ THE REVIEWS if, like me, you hate spoilers, as they are full of spoilers without the spoiler warnings! I would have been really cross if I'd read them before rather than after the book!
That's helpful Jackie, thanks! I've not had much success with my 2 Ian McEwans so now I know which one I'll try next as "Sweet Tooth" sounds intriguing.Oh dear I didn't mean you to go over-budget though! I have similar reservations. If it's someone I don't know it's usually a wait for a 99p deal or the library!
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Same here. Not that bad, but I don't see reasons for the nobel price!
I finished Pumpkins in Paradise, which I won't recommend. It wasn't terrible but there are so many books out there which are better!I also finished The Complete Collected Poems by Maya Angelou, which I will recommend!
I just finished The Midwich Cuckoos (as have a few other members!). I would definitely recommend it, especially if you like sci fi.
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Already on my TBR list - getting longer and longer ...
Leslie - I forgot about this thread! I would definitely recommend "The Midwich Cuckoos" too. So many popular novels from that period make me grind my teeth with their portrayal of female characters, but Wyndham usually rises above that and almost always has a bigger message, as in this case. I "liked" your review. Did you read mine ? I gave it 5*
If anyone is thinking of reading this book (please do!) you can read my review without clicking on the spoilers and revealing too much.
The blurb on the book sometimes tells you far too much... does anyone else find that as annoying as I do?
I have finished reading The City of Joy by Dominique Lapierre, 4 stars for me. It is non fiction and the story is based on a true story. It talks about a slum in Kolkata, Anand Nagar, and the main characters are: Hasari Pal, a farmer who had to leave his village because of a drought, they hadn't anymore something to eat, and he goes with his family to Kolkata. They must sleep on the streets making some occasional work or looking for food in the garbage. Then Hasari finds work as a rickshaw puller and at then end he is able to rent a "house" in the slum. Then there is a French priest, Paul Lambert, who goes to live in the slum because he wants to live among the poorest and wants to help this suffering people. At the end of the book arrives also a rich American doctor who brings his skills in this slum. I recommend it, it is very interesting and I like Lapierre's writing style, he captures your attention.
That sounds very interesting, Dely. Is it set recently?
Heather wrote: "That sounds very interesting, Dely. Is it set recently?"No. If I don't remember wrong it is set around 1980.
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Finished reading Elfriede Jelinek's The Piano Teacher. A book on interesting themes (mother-daughter relationship, oppressive musical culture, love between man and woman as a hunt). But it is not a book for all. I loved and hated the book in equal measures.
I have just finished reading the third book from Ender series, by Orson Scott Card - Xenocide. I admit that I had my doubts concerning this series : but in no time I found myself reading the second book, also finishing the third book (even though not really on a whim, and my only reason for not doing so is the fact that my time didn't permit me to read it in two days, as I have done with the second book /Speaker for the dead). In any case, I would clearly, clearly recommend it for those who are in love with SF - also, with SFs that have philosophical implications. Of course, many SFs (if not most of them) have philosophical implications, as well as scientific (as the name already says it : science - fiction). In any case, I don't know about its originality, nor have I read so much SF as to be capable of saying things that are beyond my actual power of knowledge regarding the subject... but what I can say is that it is indeed very well written and very well documented. There are several biological and scientific (in general) implications that I didn't even know about! (the fact that buggers' system of communication /from 1st book/ is actually similar to how bees communicate, a pleasing surprise!). It was (and I hope still is) a very interesting, catchy read. SF, Philosophy, nice characters, nice phenomena, nice new planets and species. It is, no doubts, a good way to spend your free time. It's fun!
I finished listening to MaddAddam. Margaret Atwood's writing is so good. I always enjoy this aspect of her work.However, this story is lame, especially as the finale of a trilogy. I was sad about that. It's still an enjoyable read but as an ending, it's pretty much a non-story. :(
Would I recommend it? I suppose so, in a tepid, lukewarm way. There is a story and there's some interesting points brought up. They aren't explored, though, so the story is weak and arm's length from the reader.
As part of the trilogy, I wouldn't really recommend it, sadly. It adds nothing to what we've read in the first two books but minor detail & background, which is interesting but not important and doesn't move the story forward. This book is like treading water.
Ramona wrote: "I have just finished reading the third book from Ender series, by Orson Scott Card - Xenocide. I admit that I had my doubts concerning this series : but in no time I found myself reading the secon..."This series has been on my radar for several months now. Your comments make me want to try it, so maybe I will add this to my sci-fi/fantasy challenge for 2014!
I have read and enjoyed the first two of the Ender series. Xenocide is on my hot list for early next year (or maybe over the Christmas holidays, if there's time).
Petra wrote: "I have read and enjoyed the first two of the Ender series. Xenocide is on my hot list for early next year (or maybe over the Christmas holidays, if there's time)."You should, you should! there is a really unexpectedly turn of events there : I really didn't know what to think about it when I had to face it; it's really thrilling, more over if you already read the first two books. I enjoyed all of them up till now; if Xenocide doesn't surpass the first two books by anything, then it at least let the flow to go on and on, transmitting the same good vibe.
Leslie wrote: "Ramona wrote: "I have just finished reading the third book from Ender series, by Orson Scott Card - Xenocide. I admit that I had my doubts concerning this series : but in no time I found myself re..."
Tell me what you think about it after you try it! You could make it your challenge: it is a challenge, indeed -Speaker for the dead (second book) has 600 pages, while the third book has 700 pages. I see that the forth book has only 500 pages! haha, I don't remember how many pages the first book had, but you get my point. Even so, when you get caught in the reading, you don't even remember to think about pages. It's just that... if it strikes you, you are cursed to read it until you finish it. Well, this is how I feel towards it. Very good SF ˆˆ
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Good to know!
Ramona wrote: "Petra wrote: "I have read and enjoyed the first two of the Ender series. Xenocide is on my hot list for early next year (or maybe over the Christmas holidays, if there's time)."You should, you sho..."
I've read them, too, Ramona - enjoyed them.
I just finished The Wise Man's Fear. It's longer than The Name of the Wind, and one of my criticisms about TNOTW was that for the length of the book it didn't feel like that much happened. In this one there's a lot more progression, and some changes of scenery which help so yes I would recommend both of these books.
Finished reading Alessandro Baricco's Novecento. Un monologo. It is a fantastic story. I am not sure if there is an English translation. I recommend it for the new readers. There is also a film made in English (available in Youtube) and I would also recommend it.
The house of night series. Yes!
Robert wrote: "I just finished The Wise Man's Fear. It's longer than The Name of the Wind, and one of my criticisms about TNOTW was that for the length of the book it didn't feel like..."Good to know! After having been 'bullied' into reading TNOTW, I am now quite keen to see what part two is like. Funny world this fantasy-lit world. Is there an unwritten law that fantasy-books MUST come in trilogies?!
Jenny - Well, I thought Jean Auel's The Clan of the Cave Bear was going to be the start of a trilogy, until the 4th and 5th...and 6th...books and now it looks as if there might be a 7th!!
Jenny wrote: "Robert wrote: "I just finished The Wise Man's Fear. It's longer than The Name of the Wind, and one of my criticisms about TNOTW was that for the length of the book it d..."I think that the trilogy format was strongly influenced in the 1950s with The Lord of the Rings trilogy by Tolkien and the Foundation trilogy by Asimov. These two (one fantasy & one sci fi) were considered ground-breaking so many subsequent authors followed this format.
Leslie, that makes sense! Jean have you read them all? (apart from part 7 that hasn't yet manifested ;))
Jenny wrote: "Leslie, that makes sense! Jean have you read them all? (apart from part 7 that hasn't yet manifested ;))"
I don't know about Jean, but I read the first 5 (more than once!) but never got around to reading the 6th. I wasn't thrilled with where things were heading at the end of the 5th book...
Moving this here, as I just confused threads ;) I've finished The Bone People which I read for a second time. I remember reading it for the first time and loving it, but also thinking that it was flawed in many little ways, yet whenever I stumbled upon it on GR I kept being surprised at my 4*rating, since there's many five* reads that I remember much less and that had less of an emotional impact on me. I think this time I've surrendered to my gut which told me that this book might be like my bookshelf. I love it dearly, self-built as it is, but it isn't really what anyone would call a neatly build shelf.
Yet I would sing it's praise at every chance that I get and recommend it highly to anyone who feels that lit from New Zealand is a bit of a gap in their reading and is interested in following the journey of three emotional shipwrecks (often odd and beautiful, sometimes odd and hard to stomache) in a story that has one foot in New Zealand-Realism and the other deep in Maori-Symbolism.
Jenny - I hope you're going to review these two! Of the "Earth's Children" series I have read The Clan of the Cave Bear, The Valley of Horses, The Mammoth Hunters and The Plains of Passage. So Jenny has read two more than me.
Leslie - did you find that you had to keep going back and rereading before you could start the next one? (Because I did.) For some reason I became less and less interested in the series as time went on, which puzzled me as I'm nuts about anything prehistoric...can't quite put my finger on it.
I think you may have a point about Tolkien and Asimov (I don't think I've ever put those 2 in a sentence together LOL) although I suspect the trilogy was well established in mainstream novels prior to that. On the other hand Fantasy as a genre didn't really exist before Tolkien, so he was bound to be influential.
Jean wrote: "Jenny - I hope you're going to review these two! Of the "Earth's Children" series I have read The Clan of the Cave Bear, The Valley of Horses, [book:The Mammoth Hunters|4..."
Oh thank God I am not the only one slightly confused here today ;) Jean I think you meant Leslie?
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