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What have you just read? Opinions, recommendations & reviews
A few of us read it at the end of last year. It was very depressing though
Chrissie wrote: "Njahhhhh..... I didn't like The Death of Ivan Ilych, just plain not that interesting. My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
It was one of my favourite reads of 2013 so seeing you rate it one star really surprised me, but here's to different tastes! :) (will go and read that review again!)
Jenny wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Njahhhhh..... I didn't like The Death of Ivan Ilych, just plain not that interesting. My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
It was one of my f..."
I KNOW sometimes the way I react is so very different from others........ I REALLY do have a hard time with short stories. Keep that in mind too.
I finished The Silkworm last night. I really like this series. This story was a bit more complicated than The Cuckoo's Calling, but there were a couple points that were not explained to my satisfaction. I know a big deal has been made about the use of a pseudonym, but it's not something I ever think about when I'm reading the books. I think Cormoran Strike is a great character.
Kristi wrote: "I finished The Silkworm last night. I really like this series. This story was a bit more complicated than The Cuckoo's Calling, but there were a couple points that w..."Hi Kristi...I'm glad to hear this - I really enjoy J.K. and thoroughly enjoyed Cormoran Strike's character portrayal and his secretary, what's her name - now would you say that's a keeper or just a borrower be?
I have just finished The Remains of the Day.I didn't know the plot and I have never see the movie...
Now I love this book! His style is delightful, the writing is rich but very fluid.
In my opinion: ★★★★★
I heartly recommend it.
♪Eleonora♪ wrote: "I have just finished The Remains of the Day.I didn't know the plot and I have never see the movie...
Now I love this book! His style is delightful, the writing is rich but very fluid..."
You're totally right! :) An unforgettable novel!
I've just finished Cuckoo. It was a bit like the story of "The hand that rocks the cradle" so quite tense throughout. I can't decide if it's a 3 or 4 star read. I quite liked the fact that the narrator is unreliable, gave the story ambiguity.
Maggie wrote: "Akylina wrote: "I finished Sharp Objects yesterday. It might as well be my favourite Gillian Flynn novel, even though I was quite unsure of whether I was going to like it or not at first."Excelle..."
Hi, I have read Dark Places...thought-provoking!
I just finished a collection of short stories by Chekhov:Twelve Tales from Life's Passing Parade Collected Chekhov.
I would recommend this to all who like short stories, particularly Russian ones.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I list which eleven stories were told and the general characteristics of Chekhov's writing. I think he is a great writer but I have a hard time with short stories.
I finished The Zhivago Affair: The Kremlin, the CIA, and the Battle Over a Forbidden Book history, a thriller and a thorough look at the author.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Diane S. wrote: "I finished The Zhivago Affair: The Kremlin, the CIA, and the Battle Over a Forbidden Book history, a thriller and a thorough look at the author.https://www.goodreads.com/review/sho..."
That sounds interesting!
Chrissie wrote: "I just finished a collection of short stories by Chekhov:Twelve Tales from Life's Passing Parade Collected Chekhov.
I would recommend this to all who like short stories, particul..."
I liked your review Chrissie - I have been meaning to get around to Checkov for some time and he sounds like my cup of tea!
I finished The Big Sleep which was a good 4 star read - I loved Marlowe's voice and his random descriptions of things and people - very witty and deadpan and I was hearing all this in Humphrey Boggart's voice throughout. I need to watch the film again now! (any excuse...)Also just finished City of Thieves by David Benioff which was great - another solid 4 stars. Seemed to be well-researched (although I don't know a lot about Russia so please don't quote me on this) and I liked the writing and the character's. Would definitely recommend if you have any interest at all in the WW2 time period.
Laurel wrote: "I finished The Big Sleep which was a good 4 star read - I loved Marlowe's voice and his random descriptions of things and people - very witty and deadpan and I was hearing all this in H..."I loved City of Thieves; I must read his other books. I studied Russian and the Russian history and he is well researched.
I'm a little behind here, but I have recently read :In the Fall 4 stars
Shadows on Our Skin 4 stars
The House on the Lagoon 3 stars
When the World Was Young: A Novel 3 stars
Bette BookAddict wrote: "I loved City of Thieves; I must read his other books. I studied Russian and the Russian history and he is well researched. ..."Oh good - it felt like he'd done his research but then I thought as I was typing I thought that as I haven't studied or read much about Russian history I probably wouldn't know anyway lol! I watched an episode of Game of Thrones the other day and one of the screen writers is called David Benioff - I wouldn't be surprised if it was him as I think City of Thieves could easily be made into a film at some point.
Kristi wrote: "I finished The Silkworm last night. I really like this series. This story was a bit more complicated than The Cuckoo's Calling, but there were a couple points that w..."I didn't know there was a second book out. Good!
City of Thieves would make a great film . I loved the book as well .
♪Eleonora♪ wrote: "I have just finished The Remains of the Day.I didn't know the plot and I have never see the movie...
Now I love this book! His style is delightful, the writing is rich but very fluid..."
I agree - a very good book. Sadly, I didn't like the others I read by him.
I also loved City of Thieves. Benioff wrote The 25th Hour which is good but I didn't like it quite as much.
Chrissie wrote: "I just finished a collection of short stories by Chekhov:Twelve Tales from Life's Passing Parade Collected Chekhov.
I would recommend this to all who like short stories, particul..."
Chekhov sounds like an interesting author! But I still haven't got round to reading Dostoevsky yet and have just read one of Tolstoy's. So many books to read, so little time!
Diane S. wrote: "I finished The Zhivago Affair: The Kremlin, the CIA, and the Battle Over a Forbidden Book history, a thriller and a thorough look at the author.https://www.goodreads.com/review/sho..."
I liked your review, Diane. Um, so Dr. Zhivago is autobiographical! I loved the movie (and adored the soundtrack by Maurice Jarre) but haven't read the novel.
Laurel wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "I just finished a collection of short stories by Chekhov:Twelve Tales from Life's Passing Parade Collected Chekhov.
I would recommend this to all who like short ..."
Thank you, Laurel. At least in these stories he writes about the common people, and that I like. You feel for them. And he always has your head thinking. STILL, I didn't understand the message behind some of the stories, or maybe it is just that he wants to get the reader to think and the message is not really the point.
I too loved City of Thieves. When I bought it from BookDepository they said I could get another book instead if I was not pleased on its completion- that is how much they were sure it would be be liked!!!
Alice, Chekhov is great and I happen to prefer him more than Tolstoy, but Turgenev and Dostoyevsky are wonderful too. It is kind of important to pick the right books though. You said elsewhere you were gong to read Crime and Punishment. THAT is super, and by Turgenev I pariuclarly enjoyed Fathers and Sons.
I've finished The Camomile Lawn by Mary Wesley 4★My review is: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I have finished reading The Notebook, The Proof, The Third Lie: Three Novels by Ágota Kristof.Wow!
It's one of those books that will stay with you for a long time. I have just finished it and I'm without words but will try to say something about it tomorrow or in a few days. It isn't easy to talk about this book, there is so much. The best thing is to read it.
5 stars and I absolutely recommend it.
I just added this to my tr list , dely . It looks fascinating .
Angela wrote: "I just added this to my tr list , dely . It looks fascinating ."I hope you will like it as I did!
dely wrote: "I have finished reading The Notebook, The Proof, The Third Lie: Three Novels by Ágota Kristof.Wow!
It's one of those books that will stay with you for a long time. ..."
Nice to hear that. And Five Stars from you is another credit for the book.
Dhanaraj wrote: "Nice to hear that. And Five Stars from you is another credit for the book.."Yes, I don't give 5 stars easily but this book deserves them all! I hope to be able to write a short review about it. And I can't wait to know your opinions about it!
dely wrote: "I have finished reading The Notebook, The Proof, The Third Lie: Three Novels by Ágota Kristof.Wow!
It's one of those books that will stay with you for a long time. ..."
I so want to read that!!!!
Angela wrote: "City of Thieves would make a great film . I loved the book as well ."Totally agree!
dely wrote: "I have finished reading The Notebook, The Proof, The Third Lie: Three Novels by Ágota Kristof.Wow!
It's one of those books that will stay with you for a long time. ..."
Oh I am so glad you liked it! Very curious to hear your thoughts on it!
It seems hard for me to get my hands on though.
Mod
Wow!
It's one of those books that will stay with you for ..."
Yes I liked it too, even if I have to say it is not an "easy read". But you need books lithe those every now and then, books that "ounches you in the stomach" as we say in Italian.
I've finished yesterday a little book Camera d'albergo by Colette. A nice portrait of a man ... not a nice man!
I finished Ragtime. The way Doctorow writes is rather unique; you have to try it too really understand.My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The book is chock-full of interesting facts, but I ALSO want character portrayal in a book. I want to feel something for the characters. Due to how it is written, that is impossible in this book.
Jenny wrote: "Oh I am so glad you liked it! Very curious to hear your thoughts on it! "I have written my opinions in my thread of "2014 Reads": https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... and it wasn't easy to put in words what I've felt reading the book!
Chrissie wrote: "It seems hard for me to get my hands on though."
I'm really sorry for this! I hope you can find an audiobook or someone that can read it to you.
LauraT wrote: "Yes I liked it too, even if I have to say it is not an "easy read". But you need books lithe those every now and then, books that "ounches you in the stomach" as we say in Italian. "
So true, it is gut wrenching (I don't know if it is the right expression in English!).
Finished Above the East China Sea a dual storyline leading back to Okinawa during World War II. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished reading Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse. A Classic that is worthy of many Re-reads. Five Stars.....
Janice wrote: "Kristi wrote: "I finished The Silkworm last night. I really like this series. This story was a bit more complicated than The Cuckoo's Calling, but there were a coupl..."Cormoran's assistant's name is Robin. I love both characters and how they work together. I tend to be a borrower since I don't re-read a lot, but I purchased the book on my Kindle because I knew that the wait list at the library would be very long. I'm definitely looking forward to a third book in this series!
Joy wrote: "Kristi wrote: "I finished The Silkworm last night. I really like this series. This story was a bit more complicated than The Cuckoo's Calling, but there were a coupl..."Joy, it was just published in the last two weeks.
Laurel wrote: "Bette BookAddict wrote: "I loved City of Thieves; I must read his other books. I studied Russian and the Russian history and he is well researched. ..."Oh good - it felt like he'd done his resear..."
He is the same David Benioff that writes for Game of Thrones. I read City of Thieves a few years and loved it. I have a book of short stories by him, but I haven't gotten around to reading it yet.
I have read The World Without You by Joshua Henkin 4★My review is: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Kristi wrote: "Laurel wrote: "Bette BookAddict wrote: "I loved City of Thieves; I must read his other books. I studied Russian and the Russian history and he is well researched. ..."Oh good - it felt like he'd ..."
Thanks Kristi ;)
Finished Night Film which I loved and highly recommend and Summer House with Swimming Pool which was ok...but Koch's The Dinner was a much better read.
i was reading the killers tears last night and it wasn't any killers tears it was mine!i was so sad i nearly died!i really loved the book and i recomend it to all The Killer's Tearsby Anne-Laure Bondoux,
I have just read...The Silkworm
by "Robert Galbraith" a.k.a. J.K. Rowling
Highly recommended!
Check my review on the link (there aren't spoilers!)
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I am glad YOU did!!