What else are you currently reading? Showing 101-150 of 1,050

[Deborah]

Jen - when I became ill in 2002, I went through a very long period where I couldn't concentrate well enough to read anything new. While it was enjoyable and comforting to reread my old favorites, I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to read again. Needless to say, God took quite an earbeating over that! Eventually, that got better and, while I'm not up to my old speed, I'm obviously still an avid reader. This summer I'm going through garden burn out. I just can't muster the energy and interest to get out there and do it. Which means I'll have to rely more heavily this year on Farm Market. But hey, that's good for the farmers! Enjoy your GG reruns, I'm betting you'll have your nose back in a book soon!

[Deborah]

I just finished "Bankok Haunts," the third in JOhn Burdett's series of crime novels set in Krung Thep (the Thai name for Bangkok). I say crime novels rather than mysteries, because the books are really more about the frisson between Eastern and Western cultures (as embodied by Sonchai Jitpleecheep, a half-caste (Thai/American) Buddhist detective, sort of the kinder, gentler "Serpico" of the Bangkok police force. I really like these books and recommend them, but with the caveat that they are not for the faint of heart or stomach. Right now I'm reading "Girls Like Us," by Sheila Weller. It's a biographic look at the careers of Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon. She has some interesting things to say about American culture in the 60s and 70s.

[Kerrilynn]

I have a huge line-up of books. I've just finished Anais Nin's Ladders to Fire (LOVED)and I've started the Twilight series (read the first book), even though its a young adult series, it's pretty good so far. Now I am going back to my roots and rereading The Secret Garden and loving it just as much as I did when I was younger.

I think someone mentioned the Principles of Uncertanty? My best friend bought the book for my for christmas, and I totally loved it. Easy read, but so interesting. I have to say it's definitely one of my top faves.

[Arctic]

Just finished Arcadia - wow what a play! Really thought-provoking stuff. You all weren't exaggerating when you said it was great. I can just imagine how fun the final scenes would be to watch on the stage. I read it all in one sitting and now just wish I'd taken more time to savor it.

still working on Saturday et al.

Twilight recently made it to my To Read list as well after being snubbed for some time. I look forward to picking it up.

I'd heard that Love in a Time of Cholera is hard to get into but is worth the read. haven't read it yet myself, but it too is on the list.

Also adding Ladders to Fire and Girls Like Us - thanks for pointing them out!

[Dottie]

Heather -- so glad you liked Arcadia! I just think it's fantastic. It was one of the early "return to reading plays" experiences for me so maybe that added to my enjoyment but none-the-less, it holds a favored spot in my readings.

Here is a link to the original Constant Reader discussion of Arcadia if anyone is interested:

http://web.archive.org/web/2004030805...

[Arctic]

great discussion, Dottie. Thanks for the link! The play provides so much to think about, so it's wonderful to see what the CR group has to say on it. They always seem to have interesting discussions.

Have you read Waiting for Godot? It's a play by Samuel Beckett that I think you might like. Also, Elective Affinities by Goethe has some similar themes to Arcadia. Arcadia is much lighter in tone however.

[[deleted user]]

Arctic: Don't look too much forward to reading the twilight series... The first book is actually pretty good and addictive, but the series looses all the suspense and everything already during the second book, mainly due to Bella's development as a character.. But I won't give away too much, we can talk about it after you read it :-)

I am reading at the moment Emma by Jane Austen and I just love it, like all the Jane Austen books.
I am looking forward to all my exams being over so that I can finally concentrate on reading my big pile of books that I have collected over the school year :-)

[Dottie]

Heather -- thank you, and I agree CR folks do tend to have some very good discussions -- the core group being together over twelve years helps but there are always a few newer voices on board and now that we are on Goodreads we are really happy people when it comes to talking books!

I missed the CR read/discuss of Godot however and have not read it myself -- I should. Elective Affinities sounds like one I should read sooner rather than later as the title immediately made me think of the film Mindwalk (ca.1980, I think) with which I became slightly obsessed and with which I remain somewhat obsessed to this day. I need only add I coerced my husband to drive from Orange County to Santa Monica three weekends in four to see the film to prove that. Heh.

[Dini, the master of meaning]

Am interested in Love in the Time of Cholera as well.

Heather, my drama teacher back in college had us read Waiting for Godot and write a paper about it. I can't really say I understand the play, but I kinda think that was the point, LOL.

[M0rfeus]

Heather, that's great that you liked Arcadia. It's definitely one of my faves.

But I don't think there's very much Stoppard that I don't like. I still haven't started his new one, Rock 'n Roll yet--but I will.

It's playing at ACT this fall!

Ooo boy--I love seeing live Stoppard!
T

[M0rfeus]

Incidentally, for anyone who liked the time effects in Arcadia I should probably recommend the Stoppard radio play "Artist Descending a Staircase".

This is from memory so is probably off, but it more or less goes:

now
five minutes ago
1/2 hour ago
15 years ago
16 years ago
20 years ago
16 years ago
15 years ago
1/2 hour ago
five minutes ago
now

;)
T

[Lindsay]

I absolutely hated Love in the Time of Cholera. It actually put me off reading for over 2 months. In fact, since reading Love in the Time of Cholera I have pretty much been sticking to mind-numbing best sellers while my brain recuperates. One thing I learned--you cannot trust an Oprah pick.

In fact, no one in my book club liked Love in the Time of Cholera--we were all excited to read it and only a few of us managed to slog our way through it. I haven't felt that way about a book since reading Steinbeck in high school.

Without giving anything away, any book that includes a description of a character liking to eat asparagus because of the way it makes his urine smell has something seriously wrong with it.

[Heidi]

Thanks for your honesty Lindsay! I can respect that totally- I am reading it with a few friends, so I will keep going anyway. I actually laughed at the pee smelling good because of asparagus, so maybe I have the sick sense of humor this book was intended for!

[Dottie]

Well, Tom, I guess that means Artist will have to be the NEXT Stoppard I read.

[Deborah]

While "Love in the Time of Cholera" isn't the book that "100 Years of Solitude" is, I don't remember it being reprehensible. A little slow, maybe, but given the culture and the climate, the pacing seemed about right. The funny thing is, a book I really like by one of my favorite authors, "Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas" by Tom Robbins, has a whole subtext concerning asparagus and pee. I never made the connection before, now those two book are connected in by consciousness. And that's just ... weird. "Love in the Time of Frog Pajamas"

[Arctic]

yeah, Tom, Artist Descending a Staircase sounds great. I'll have to check it out too. Thanks for mentioning it.

Dottie, Mindwalk looks interesting. Netflix doesn't carry it or I'd check it out for sure. Elective Affinities is very different though, very much a period piece for one thing. And while it mentions scientific theories, it's more about displaying those theories at work in the people of the story. It's a subtle and in some ways depressing read, but well written and thought-provoking nonetheless.

Dini, yeah, Godot is confusing. something to do with existentialism, I suspect.

[Dottie]

Mindwalk is not on DVD -- I keep waiting but it isn't happening.

I just finished Julian Symons book Something Like a Love Affair though I must say the story is one strange love affair if that's what it is something like. Still -- right up to the very last page and bam -- a surprise -- not too shabby for a random pick off the Friends of the Library sales cart at the tiny local county branch library.

I'm now reading Family Linen - Lee Smith. I've barely begun but it seems interesting enough.

[Rebecca]

Michelle, you crack me up -- I think it is amusing that you think of Gatsby as prententious, but love Fahrenheit 451 (which I may have actually used the word pretentious to describe.)

I now know "whichwayshewent" -- the complete opposite direction from me! Still glad to have this place to share opposing viewpoints :)

On topic, I'm going to start with the rest of the Odd Thomas books by Dean Koontz. I also just finished a biography of Johann Gutenberg (by John Man, who also wrote a history of the alphabet that I may have to hunt down, called "Alpha Beta"), and planning to start the Outlander series by Gabaldon.

Oh, and I'm reading Lemony Snicket and Magic Treehouse with my kiddo. :)

[Dini, the master of meaning]

Would love to hear what you think about the Odd Thomas books, Rebecca. I've been curious about them for some time.

[Rebecca]

Dini, I just loved the first one; Odd is a great character. Without going into a whole book review/recap, I'll say that I found him endearing. He's a young guy, about 20, with useless parents, who has developed a framework of caring people to fill that void. He's making a simple life for himself, with the exception of his "undercover" work -- he sees dead people, and helps find their killers, can find people just by thinking about them, and occasionally has premonitions of things he'd rather not see happen. It's all presented almost nonchalantly -- as if these things could happen to anyone. I thought it was interesting and fun and I really did get engaged with the cast of characters. Give it a try!

[Dini, the master of meaning]

It does sound interesting, Rebecca. Thanks a lot for the recommendation!

[Deborah]

Dini - I also highly recommend The "Odd" books (although the first is the best, so far anyway, I haven't read the new one yet). Dean Koontz is one of my favorite junk food writers (and I love junk food!). Although I do admire a conflicted anti-hero, there is something about the delineation of good and evil in his books that is charming and comforting. Also, he's a dog lover. My favorite book by this author is "The Watchers." If you like Odd, you might give that a try. Strong likeable characters and an insufferable villain (plus a very pitiable "villain" who is really a sort of victim.)

[whichwaydidshego, the sage of sass]

First, Jen... I completely understand those times of just not being able to read at all. I went through one for like a month and a half earlier this year, and am going through a mini one now (though this one is more being paralyzed by all the books I want/need/have to read versus in the mood to read). Don't loose heart, just do what you need to do and you'll find your way back.

Then, Rebecca... I don't know if I like my opinions being "amusing," but I get your point and like that about this site as well. I will say that I've been thinking of finally picking up the first Lemony Snicket book (because of my longing to yet again re-read HP), and reading that last bit of your post made me want to start right now! I might, just.

Cheers.

[Jen Manning]

Still having a hard time coming back to reading--it makes me sad. I want to read...I really want to...I hope to be on the mend soon because I miss being able to even read the threads and knowing what people are saying. My life has been completely flipped upside down...so I would really enjoy the escape of reading.

[Dottie]

But we are glad to see you here none-the-less! Soon maybe. Take care.

[Deborah]

Jen - choclate at least 1x daily as needed until desire to read returns ;) Meanwhile, post about movies, music, Gilmore Girls ...

[whichwaydidshego, the sage of sass]

I'm in a similar slump. I think it's that I have so much I want to read! It's like a log jam. My brain can't take the stress all piled up!!! The Count, The Code of the Woosters, one with a friend, one for another book club, and the list goes on!

Then too, because I've some mysterious continuing condition that keeps me going to the doctor, I don't get a lot done in my days... and then I think I feel guilty for reading because it's supposed to be the icing, not the cake of my day. Plus, it's hot and I'm starting to go stir crazy in the heat. (Can't do a lot in the heat with whatever it is that is ailing me.) *Sigh.* Help!

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

[[deleted user]]

I recently got into reading old Nancy Drew mysteries. I read GIRL SLEUTH, the history behind the women who wrote the first series and felt like they were worth revisiting. They are quaint and old fashioned and simplistic. But knowing some of the historical significance and societal norms of the time has added a really interesting layer to the stories.

It also made me want to start rereading some other books from my adolescence. I've started on the Time Quintet by Madeline L'Engle. In addition to my steady diet of Non-Fiction.

[whichwaydidshego, the sage of sass]

I regularly have to intersperse non-fiction into my reading diet as well. But then, I like to read a bit of everything - just must have some classics regularly and a mystery now and then, beyond that and the non-fiction, it's just what ever takes my fancy! Lately, poetry has had an important role... which is so strange considering I'm not at all in a romantic-type of place in my head or my life!

[Courtney]

Michele, if you think of literature as your religion, then reading becomes your worship and you never have to feel guilty about reading again.

Seriously, when I get like that, I try to think of all of the generations before for whom reading was a serious and important pursuit. Sure, those generations tended to be privileged, property owner types, but still. We are by no means the first of our kind to spend all day reading.

[Jen Manning]

I'm back (to reading)!!! Although fluff is the extent of my reading.

[Rachel]

I'm currently reading Flowers for Algernon and Jane Eyre. I'm liking both so far, even though Flowers for Algernon is a much easier read. Jane Eyre is rather interesting, too, though.

[Dini, the master of meaning]

Rachel, be sure to check out our Jane Eyre threads in the Monthly Book Discussions folder. We have a thread for every five chapters, so you can join in according to how far you've read.

[whichwaydidshego, the sage of sass]

Rachel, I've been wanting to get to Flowers for Algernon. I don't have a copy yet because I'm picky and have a million books to get to already, so I CAN be picky, but it is the first thing I look for when I go to the used bookstores! That and Quattrocento... both because of the Rory list.

[Rachel]

Dini - Will do. Thanks!

whichwaydidshego? - You need to find it, and soon! It's so good, much better than I thought it would be. I mean, I knew it'd be a good read, but it's surprising me. I only have about 40 pages left.

And this is probably a stupid question, but is there an official "Rory List" on here somewhere? A list of all the books Rory read? Sorry if this is a really dumb question.

[whichwaydidshego, the sage of sass]

Rachel, sorry for the delay. Yes there is an official list. If you go to our bookshelf, you will see one called "original WB list" and then there are other lists on there as well all related to Rory. That's how we nominate books. So check it out!

[Spencer]

I'm reading an Agatha Christie right now- Death in the Clouds. It is my first Christie book and think it is really good so far.
Hopefully I still feel that way by the time I am done with the book because I really want to get into her because I love authors who have written dozens of books because then I know I have multiple titles to choose from and the ability to keep on reading...

[Dini, the master of meaning]

Anastasia, I hope you enjoy the book. To me Christie is always unpredictable -- I think I never guessed the culprit correctly :P. And yes, she has lots and lots of books to choose from!

[Hannah]

I'm currently reading Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. It's really interesting, and reminds me a lot of Jane Eyre. I have about a hundred pages left, and I'm curious as to what else happens. Anybody read it?

[Deborah]

Hannah - I've read "Rebecca," and while I liked it, this is one case where I prefer the movie. Hitchcock was pure genius!

[whichwaydidshego, the sage of sass]

Oh gosh, Deborah, this is one place I have to disagree with you (so rare, really). Rebecca is a fabulous book as far as I'm concerned - one of my all-time favorites (and that's a short list). I think Hitchcock's film was fantastic (also a favorite), but partly because it captured the book so well. Okay, and because Olivier was a hottie.

Hannah, I can't wait to hear what you think about it! Brilliant book! I'm planning to read more of du Maurier's works soon. Nearly picked up The Scapegoat yesterday, but decided on next month's book The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters. By the way, another Rory book that is deeper than I thought it would be. The Song Reader so far is a better read, but this one is quite good. I'm halfway through.

[Sheila]

I'm currently reading The Margo Mysteries. I just got the third book in the series out of the library and can't wait to start it. I'm also in the middle of The Second Coming of Lucy Hatch by Marsha Moyer, which I am really excited about, and The Youngest Hero by Jerry Jenkins, who is one of my all-time favorite authors.

[whichwaydidshego, the sage of sass]

Okay, I'm really excited to talk about The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters!! Must wait a week! Gah! I can't wait to hear what you all think about it.

Can I just add, every time I pick up a Rory book that looks like it will be fun but not really all that deep, I am ALWAYS surprised. But I won't say anything else until the 1st...

Oh my God - it's almost September. That's insane!!!

[Audrey]

So our discussions start on the first? I've only just started reading The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters. Well, since I'm new I should see how you guys do your book discussions and just fall into step along the way.

[Anna]

The Discarded image by C.S. Lewis and Lectures on literature by Vladimir Nabokov

[[deleted user]]

At the moment, I am reading Divine Invasions, which is a Philip K. Dick biography, and Sense and Sensibility for next months plus some other books I have started some time ago and just can't finish.

I find it funny that you liked The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters so much, Michele. I read the Amazon review and decided not to pick it up because it simply did not sound interesting to me at all.
I read Life on the refrigerator door just half a year ago, and whilst I thought it was a "fun" read, The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters just reminded me too much of it, so I did not want to spend the money, especially because I don't have much time anyway and books I am not really interested in tend to be lying around for quite some time. (Even books I want to read do so)

[Deborah]

I just finished Desperately Seeking Paradise by Ziaddin Sardar. It was serendipitous that I read it shortly after Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia, but the two books complement each other very well. It's also a very good basic primer for Westerners of Islam.

[Robbie]

My bus read is Dog Years: A Memoir by Mark Doty. The author discusses the companionship his dogs provide, and how they supported him during the time of his partner's illness and death. Seems like a good book for dog-lovers who long to have someone understand attachement to pets. May be a little difficult for those with a recent pet loss.

I'm supposed to be reading Lost Christianities: The Battle for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew by Bart D. Ehrman in preparation for a possible adult Sunday School class. Haven't made much progress yet.

I'm re-reading the Harry Potter series--currently on Half-Blood Prince. I'm also knitting from Charmed Knits: Projects for Fans of Harry Potter.

Seems like my titles are heavy on the colon, eh?

On the read-aloud front, we're working through the Little House series--currently on These Happy Golden Years. In another thread, I mentioned that I was disappointed that the boxed set I bought has new, modern covers, and no illustrations. In the book store today, I saw a display of all of the books with the Garth Williams covers and illustrations--I was *so* tempted to buy them all. Maybe I will.

[whichwaydidshego, the sage of sass]

Marion, I don't necessarily think that The True and Outstanding Adventure of the Hunt Sisters was a "fun" book. There was humor, of course, but it was really deep overall. Surprisingly so, as I was hoping for a bit of fluff for a break. That's the thing about Rory's books... she doesn't read things that aren't worthwhile and that don't have real substance. Thanks for spelling my name right, Marion.

I'm looking forward to the comparing & contrasting thread as I've moved straightaway onto Sense and Sensibility (even though I've read it before). I don't have a sister, though, so my understanding and perspective is perhaps different.

[whichwaydidshego, the sage of sass]

Oh, and Audrey, discussions start on the first of the month, but there is no structure - join in immediately if you like! Sometimes I read the discussions before being done with the book and sometimes I can't stand the possibility of knowing anything ahead. Either way, the threads are there when you are ready - even months later. And people in this will keep discussing with you even all that time later because we love a good chat!