What have you just read? Opinions, recommendations & reviews Showing 9,101-9,150 of 12,687

[B the BookAddict]

I finished my re-read of The New Republic by Lionel Shriver

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

[Greg]

Chrissie wrote: "Greg, when I started it I had no idea I was in for such a difficult read. Could you put in a spoiler what you didn't like about the end? I am curious."

Chrissie, I was annoyed by (view spoiler)[the suicide note to Harold when Jude said "Please forgive me. I never meant to deceive you." With the horrific things Jude endured, I can understand that he just couldn't make it - maybe suicide was inevitable, but with all the love/loyalty/happenings of the past 800+ pages and his extraordinary relationship with Willem, Harold, Andy, and others, I find it hard to believe that there was absolutely no movement in his internal image of himself. He still thinks even after all those amazing relationships that Harold would feel deceived when he learned the truth?

I think it's ultimately a terrible message for anyone recovering from childhood trauma who reads this book ... the Axiom of Equality, x = x, that people can't change or heal. But I don't believe that at all. And I think that his time with Willem would've born at least some fruit in his internal image of himself, slowly but also appreciably.

it's precisely people like Willem that make the difference. When someone sees you as something better than you have the capacity to imagine yourself, something inside shifts; the tectonic plates move ... that sort of goodness, that touch of grace, I firmly believe that given time, it can heal if anything can. It doesn't mean there won't be craziness and testing during that time of internal growth - there will. And Jude's case is so extreme that full healing might not have been possible, but it's hard to take the message that there was basically no healing that stuck, that he felt just the same internally as he always had. That just doesn't ring true for me.

A beautiful book, but that line in the suicide note and Harold's musings over it really bothered me. (hide spoiler)]

This is my very personal & philosophical problem with that one aspect of the ending. As a whole, the book itself is extraordinary. No doubt she's a gifted writer!

[Suz]

Nothing overly exciting Guilty by Karen Robards. Here's my review:

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

[Hannah]

Just finished The Birth of Venus. 2.5 stars for me.

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

[Chrissie]

This book is special: The Architect's Apprentice.
It wonderfully captures another time and place and will get you thinking.

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

BTW, iIf you haven't read The Bastard of Istanbul read that too. It's by the same author.

[Chrissie]

Hannah, I was wondering how you would react when you picked up that one. I kept my mouth shut. I didn't want to influence you.

[Diane S ☔]

Finished The Current That Carries: Stories
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Gill]

Greg wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Greg, when I started it I had no idea I was in for such a difficult read. Could you put in a spoiler what you didn't like about the end? I am curious."

Chrissie, I was annoyed by ..."

I know I'm not going to read this book, so I was very interested to read your spoiler, Greg. Thanks

[Greg]

Gill wrote: "I know I'm not going to read this book, so I was very interested to read your spoiler, Greg. Thanks ..."

My pleasure Gill! - and this book is most certainly not for everyone. It's so very graphic & disturbing in some of the depictions.

[Pam]

Re-read a favourite from long ago and was a bit underwhelmed sadly - Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny.

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)]

Finished by Australian author Ann Turner yesterday. 4 stars https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[GeneralTHC]

I finished a pretty good one here recently: To The Bright Edge of the World. I thought it was pretty good historical fiction and maybe a tad Murakami-esque. IMO, it's one more-literary fans will enjoy. Probably people who read genre fiction exclusively won't like it.

[Raul]

I have been meaning to read A Little Life but I didn't yet. It's great to see your insight, I had heard of the disturbing scenes, I still hope to read it.

[Greg]

Raul wrote: "I have been meaning to read A Little Life but I didn't yet. It's great to see your insight, I had heard of the disturbing scenes, I still hope to read it."

Thanks Raul! :)

[Chrissie]

Greg wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Greg, when I started it I had no idea I was in for such a difficult read. Could you put in a spoiler what you didn't like about the end? I am curious."

Chrissie, I was annoyed by ..."

Thanks for explaining your reason for withdrawing one star. For me Jude simply couldn't understand. That is the sad truth. Perhaps not a helpful "message", but how life really can be. I don't want a lesson. I want reality.

[Diane S ☔]

Chuck wrote: "I finished a pretty good one here recently: To The Bright Edge of the World. I thought it was pretty good historical fiction and maybe a tad Murakami-esque. IMO, it's one more-liter..."
I enjoyed this one too, Chuck, something a little different, but then again I enjoy books set in Alaska.

[dely]

I finished Gösta Berling's Saga by Selma Lagerlöf. Nope, not for me. I rated it with 2 stars only because I managed to finish it and because some parts were readable.

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

[Diane S ☔]

Finished When the Music's Over
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Free]

I just finished The Ice Twins. It was a recommendation from Alannah for August book swap. I was super excited since I had it on my to read list. I liked the story but as the book progressed I found my self really disliking the main character. She infuriated me. Honestly I don't think I have ever disliked a character more in my life. I love where the book was set. And genuinely sympathized with some of the characters. I will definitely be reading Anna Karenina soon. I felt like the ending was somewhat abrupt. But over all a good book and I wouldn't mind reading something else by this author.

[GeneralTHC]

Diane S ☔ wrote: "... I enjoy books set in Alaska.*."

I think I might, too. We'll see. I seem to sometimes get on a roll where when I read a book I like, my next 1 or 2 books will be either set in the same place or about the same topic in some way; I just started reading this one I came across on the NYT's Book of the Times: The North Water.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/01/boo...

[Gill]

Chuck wrote: "I finished a pretty good one here recently: To The Bright Edge of the World. I thought it was pretty good historical fiction and maybe a tad Murakami-esque. IMO, it's one more-liter..."

Thanks Chuck. This is one I'd like to read.

[Gill]

Chuck wrote: "Diane S ☔ wrote: "... I enjoy books set in Alaska.*."

I think I might, too. We'll see. I seem to sometimes get on a roll where when I read a book I like, my next 1 or 2 books will be either set in..."

I finished The North Water recently. I found it very gory and harsh, and also very good.

[Greg]

Chrissie wrote: "Greg wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Greg, when I started it I had no idea I was in for such a difficult read. Could you put in a spoiler what you didn't like about the end? I am curious."

Chrissie, I wa..."

I understand Chrissie, but for me, it's not believable, given all that has occurred in his adult life throughout the book. I think it's an unrealistically pessimistic view. That's just my personal opinion.

[Chrissie]

Greg wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Greg wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Greg, when I started it I had no idea I was in for such a difficult read. Could you put in a spoiler what you didn't like about the end? I am curious...."

OK, we just see it differently. Thanks for explaining. I was terribly curious to understand what upset you.

[Gill]

I've just finished Wayward Heroes. Here's a link to my review:

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

[B the BookAddict]

Chrissie and Greg, while I was struck dumb by Jude's final action, I felt it was believable, especially after (view spoiler)[Willem's death (hide spoiler)]. I knew from that point on, Jude's story would not go well. Some people have just been so dreadfully ravaged that, left alone, they revert to their basic view of themselves and their lives. (view spoiler)[After Willem died and with Harold's death being inevitable, Jude must have felt that his life would be unlivable alone. And let's not forget, he'd been 'practicing' by cutting, for years. (hide spoiler)]

[Angela M]

Greg , Chrissie, Bette ,
I just think that Jude was so traumatized and there just wasn't anything that could heal him in spite of the love of all of these people. Greg , I can see where you are coming from re: your spoiler but I just think that there was nothing that could have changed things for him. Stark reality for sure . While I was reading this book , I would wake up thinking about Jude and he's a character I continue to think about .

[B the BookAddict]

I agree, Angela. A Little Life seems to have struck such a chord with readers, that each time a person reads the novel, the discussions start up again. What a great book that it has spawned so much conversation. I've only seen one or two negative comments in all the groups I participate in; one person felt the story concept was exaggerated; but ask any person who works fighting paedophile groups - much worse stuff actually happens.

[Angela M]

Bette , I think that what's happens to Jude in this novel is so far removed from most people's life experience that it can be hard to believe. I agree with you , after reading in the news things about child trafficking and children being kidnapped and held captive by predators, I think it's very believable. While I see Greg's point , I think the damage was just too deep to be healed .

[B the BookAddict]

Angela, yes, some scars/wounds 'lie too deep for tears' and total redemption.

'wounds that lie too deep for tears' sourced from Wordsworth's INTIMATIONS OF IMMORTALITY FROM RECOLLECTIONS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD.

[Angela M]

A perfect quote Bette , painfully beautiful!

[Hannah]

Chrissie wrote: "Hannah, I was wondering how you would react when you picked up that one. I kept my mouth shut. I didn't want to influence you."

Simply underwhelmed and very frustrated at points but the writing was decent.

[Greg]

B the BookAddict wrote: "Chrissie and Greg, while I was struck dumb by Jude's final action, I felt it was believable, especially after [spoilers removed]. I knew from that point on, Jude's story would not go well. Some peo..."

Oh absolutely Angela & Bette, I 100% believe that (view spoiler)[he might've still resorted to suicide (hide spoiler)] - unfortunately that seems all too likely.

But I do not find (view spoiler)[the closing remarks of Jude's suicide letter to Harold (hide spoiler)] credible; I don't have experience with surviving sexual abuse specifically, but in my experience of abuse, the sorts of friendships he has with Willem, Harold, Andy, etc, do have an effect. It's amazing what people can survive if they have that sort of unconditional love. In such an extreme case, it might not have been enough to prevent (view spoiler)[Jude's suicide (hide spoiler)], but the (view spoiler)[contents of Jude's suicide note (hide spoiler)] mean that all of those things had no effect at all. I just can't believe or accept that. It doesn't match my experience, and it doesn't match the experience of close friends who also survived abuse.

There's a big difference between full healing and the merest spark of movement. I didn't expect full healing (that would be too sentimental), but I did expect at least some spark - that (view spoiler)[suicide letter (hide spoiler)] should've shown at least some difference.

But Angela and Bette, I do completely agree that the experiences weren't exaggerated. It is staggering the things that have happened in some cases, almost impossible to comprehend but they do. Jude's various compulsions were beautifully and perceptively described throughout.

[Angela M]

I think we all agree this is one book we will not forget . As I mentioned I still think about his character and every time I read a review or see a discussion as Bette said. I just feel all the emotions all over again.

[Greg]

Angela M wrote: "I think we all agree this is one book we will not forget . As I mentioned I still think about his character and every time I read a review or see a discussion as Bette said. I just feel all the emo..."

His character is beautifully rendered Angela, for sure. His predicament is unforgettable & heartbreaking!

I recommend the book for most people, but I strongly encourage any abuse survivors with triggers to avoid A Little Life because of the pessimistic bent!

[Angela M]

Absolutely agree , Greg . It's not for everyone.

[key]

I just read The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls!

Shamefully, it was a book I was told to read as it was a summer reading book for school. I can't believe I hadn't heard of it earlier for all the praise I see it has! Summer reading of not, I'm glad I've read it. It's an eye-opener to what the definitions of family, and dysfunction, stand for.

I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who loves/enjoys the "roller-coaster" type of books where the reader is always on their toes.

[Johanna]

Just finished Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje. I really liked the book, particularly because it enabled me to 'discover' Sri Lanka, a remarkable country with a history and culture going back 4500 years. Highlights incuded vivid descriptions of the country's ancient royal and religious citadels. For me, this book was the perfect example of how you can 'travel' and discover the world through the pages of a book.

The story takes place during Sri Lank's recent civil war and Ondaatje's spare style and language are well suited to the tale, which despite its brutal background, is told is a subtle and elegiac manner.

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)]

Just finished listening to Final Account by Peter Robinson https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

and just finished reading We Are The Hanged Man by Douglas Lindsay a 5 star read for me. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Greg]

Johanna wrote: "Just finished Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje. I really liked the book, particularly because it enabled me to 'discover' Sri Lanka, a remarkable country with a history and culture go..."

Sounds like a great book Johanna!

[Dale]

Recently finished I Let You Go by Clare Macintosh.
A really good read. 4 stars, Review is here
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[PattyMacDotComma]

If you really want to know all about books, you must have a look at this one. Just wonderful!

5★ for a new favourite, the acclaimed People of the Book by Aussie author Geraldine Brooks.

Tracing the imagined history of a real 700-year-old book through the centuries. The real Sarajevo Haggadah was discovered only in modern times, having survived The Spanish Inquisition, among other harrowing experiences. Brooks weaves fiction around the facts.

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

[Greg]

PattyMacDotComma wrote: "If you really want to know all about books, you must have a look at this one. Just wonderful!

5★ for a new favourite, the acclaimed People of the Book by Aussie author [author:Geral..."

Sounds interesting Patty! I noticed this book for sale at the library bookstore for 50 cents last week - hope it's still there on Monday!

[Susan]

I’ve just finished The Annotated Alice: 150th Anniversary Deluxe Edition — an amazing journey down the rabbit-hole!

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

[PattyMacDotComma]

Greg wrote: "PattyMacDotComma wrote: "If you really want to know all about books, you must have a look at this one. Just wonderful!

5★ for a new favourite, the acclaimed People of the Book by Au..

Sounds interesting Patty! I noticed this book for sale at the library bookstore for 50 cents last week - hope it's still there on Monday!."

Fingers crossed for you! It would sure be a well-spent 50cents!

[Chrissie]

I found People of the Book to be Brooks best book by far. She is the mentor of the fabulous author Hannah Kent. Burial Rites is totally fantastic.

It is clear that we all agree A Little Life is a book none of us will forget. It is not for those who are looking for a quick easy read. I happen to agree with Angela when she states, "I think the damage was just too deep to be healed."

I am keeping an eye on both Hanya Yanagihara and Hannah Kent. Two promising authors.

[Ruth]

I loved People Of The Book. Well written book. I also liked her book Year of Wonders : A Novel of the Plague.

[PattyMacDotComma]

Chrissie wrote: "I found People of the Book to be Brooks best book by far. She is the mentor of the fabulous author Hannah Kent. Burial Rites is totally fantastic.

..."
I haven't read either one yet, Burial Rites or A Little Life and I've been trying hard to just skim the preceding conversation with narrowed eyes and hands over my ears going La-la-la so I wouldn't see any spoilers.

The trouble is, the spoilers are not hidden when these comments are sent as emails, which is how I get most of mine! I'm afraid I caught a glimpse of one spoiler, but I will still try to read both anyway.

[PattyMacDotComma]

Ruth wrote: "I loved People Of The Book. Well written book. I also liked her book Year of Wonders : A Novel of the Plague."

I didn't like Year of Wonders as much as this one, but there's no accounting for taste, eh? :)

[Ruth]

I didn't like it as much as this either but it still held my interest.