What else are you currently reading? Showing 201-250 of 1,050

[Dini, the master of meaning]

I think I've seen the Lost in Austen: Create Your Own Jane Austen Adventure book a while ago. Looks like a fun "choose your own adventure" thing.

[Ann]

That book sounds MOST delightful, Dini! :D

[Kristi]

I am reading "The Shipping News" by Annie Proulx

[Jessica]

I am reading Brisingr. Its very good so far!

[Kristi]

I recently read Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time for a book club, and it was amazing! Everyone loved the story (although we agreed that the writing wasn't that poetic or lovely). I recommend it to everyone.

[[deleted user]]

I have just put that book on my Amazon wishlist.
I hope I'll get it for Christmas.
Do you know Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books? I actually put the Three Cups of Tea on there because I thought it might be similar as Reading Lolita.

[Kathryn]

I finished a rather unusual "Children's" novel
but I found it really interesting--quite different than most children's books I've read (and I do love children's books!) "Alcatraz and the Evil Librarians." My husband is reading it now and also finds it interesting. I don't think it'd be for everyone (unusual writing style) but here's my review if you're interested:

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians
FOUR STARS
What a wacky, wise book! I really don't know how to describe it. It's not exactly the sort of book you cozy down with and I'm not sure how attached I really felt to the characters (One chapter begins with Alcatraz asking the reader, "Are you annoyed with me yet?" and he constantly asserts that he is not as heroic or as nice as the Free Kingdomers have made him out to be.)

AND YET, I was completely absorbed in it! Despite all the goofy, fantastical sorts of things going on, Sanderson makes some philosophical and political forays (Plato's allegory of the cave is even mentioned!) Consider these quotes, "People go along with what they're told. Even intelligent people believe what they read and hear, assuming they're given no reason to question."

I think the best way to give any sort of description of the book is to include a few quotes to give you a sense of the writing style--which could be maddeningly annoying to son:

"Hushlanders [that's us:], I'd like to take this opportunity to commend you for reading this book. I realize the difficulty you must have gone through to obtain it--after all, no Librarian is likely to recommend it, considering the secrets it exposes about their kind.

Actually, my experience has been that people generally don't recommend this kind of book at all. It is far too interesting. Perhaps you have had other kinds of books recommended to you. Perhaps, even, you have been given books by friends, parents or teachers, then told that these books are the type you 'have to read.' Those books are invariably described as 'important' -- which, in my experience, pretty much means that they're boring. (Words like 'meaningful' and 'thoughtful' are other good clues.)"

There are so many little gems of hilarious-wiseness in the book; so many "Ah, well, that is because the Librarians rule the Hushlands and so things are this way." (Consider, for example, why we use PAPER for our currency; what else would Librarians choose!?) But, finding them is the whole fun of the book so I'll keep quiet!
:->
Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians

[Ann]

Jessica, are you still enjoying "Brisingr"? I've only recently started reading the series, so have just finished the first book only, but plan to start the second one very soon. How does the third book compare to the first two, in your opinion?

I started Flyte a few days ago. A slightly shorter fantasy book to bite off for the time being ;>

[Amira]

I've finally bought 'The Book Thief' and I'm about halfway through. I love it. I haven't felt anything like this for ages, especially for a stand-alone book rather than a series. I don't want it to end!

[Jessica]

Yea Ann I really like it... I have not decided if I like it better or not... Its good but there's just something about it that doesn't make it better than book 2 for me. But I am not done with it yet, so we shall see. :-)

[Ann]

Thanks Jessica :) I'm very curious to delve into the second book and find out where it's going. :)

[Kristi]

I'm reading The Picture of Dorian Gray. I am surprised to like it so much! Next up, The Thin Man and The Shadow of the Wind (for other book clubs).

[diana]

Marion, I haven't read Three Cups of Tea but I have read Reading Lolita in Tehran A Memoir in Books. From other people's reviews, I would guess that the quality of writing, at least, is not exactly comparable. What about the two books seems alike to you? Mood, theme?

[Jessica]

Oh no problem! Yea the second book throws you for a loop. :-) But I think that it is my favorite so far.

[[deleted user]]

Diana, I only know reviews of both books, I have not read either of them, so I can only guess. I thought the theme was going to be rather similar, as they are both about women's education in the Middle East.

[Jessica]

Ok so now the third threw me for a loop too!!!! :-) I like it!

[Kristi]

I just started The Corrections.

[Erin]

I decided that I just wasn't in the mood for The Song Reader and so sent it back to the library. That's highly unusual behavior for me, but I encouraged myself with something that Meghan (I think it was Meghan) said long ago - Why keep reading something you're not enjoying when there are so many other good books out there?

And I've gone in a very different direction with my current choice: A Great Deliverance. Since so many of you cheered for the Lynley Mysteries, I thought it would be a good place to start reading Elizabeth George's stories.

[Ann]

I hope you enjoy your second choice better, Erin. That's such a good point about there being so many other books out there. I find it so difficult to NOT finish a book once I've started it, but I have for a few, and usually I'm glad with my choice after the fact.
(Great picture, by the way!:D)

[Erin]

Thanks Ann - that's my great dog and reading companion, Mollie!

I finished A Great Deliverance late last night. Was compelled to read to the end to see if my guess was right about how the mystery is solved - it was, but I wasn't proud of my investigative skills as I usually am in that case. The unveiling of the murderer and their motives revealed such a horrible situation - worse even to see it come alive on the page, than to jump ahead with my imagination. But even while I struggled to read about something so ugly, I was still so interested in the main characters - the character development is fascinating (even though their own lives are pretty grim). I suppose my horror at it all wrapping up the way it does is proof of Elizabeth George's skill in creating a realistic world in the pages of her mystery.... Can someone tell me if all her mysteries are this dark?

[S]

I attempted to read Erica Jong's "Fear of Flying." I gave up on it though because it was just too... over-the-top. I found myself having to make myself pick it up in the effort to finish it, but then realized that reading is supposed to be for fun, and this book certainly wasn't a fun read for me. Has anyone else read this book? The premise for the book is a great idea, but I feel like it could have been written a lot better.

[Ann]

Erin, that's so cute! I love four-legged, furry reading companions!:D
(oh, which actually made me just remember a book I read at the start of this year. It was really sweet for any animal lovers out there called Enslaved by Ducks. It wouldn't be for everyone, but I found it quite funny and touching).

ANYWAY, back on topic here, I, too, would be very interested to know if all Elizabeth George's mysteries are dark. I'm always up for a good, well-written mystery, but I tend to like them on the lighter side.

I'm not familiar with "Fear of Flying", Sarah... too bad it wasn't better. I think I tend to be harder on books and movies when it seems like the premise is great and it's not executed... it's like the author had everything and their disposal and didn't use it! Argh! ;>

[whichwaydidshego, the sage of sass]

Erin & Ann, you know I don't remember the whole story of A Great Deliverance and my copy is in storage so I can't glance through it and remember. However, I remember many of the other stories that I've read so far in the series. I don't know that Elizabeth George's works are all so "dark," but I will say they are all very involved stories. They aren't simple or straightforward ever. I like that about them.

I will say that while the mysteries themselves are compelling, the best part is in fact the continual character development throughout all the stories. One of my favorites is when it involves Simon St.James and Deborah as the main characters. I just really liked getting to know their stories as well.

But, and I'm only just over half way through them all, one of the best for me was when Barbara went to possibly help/protect her neighbors and ended up embroiled in something big. It was fascinating because you got a glimpse into a culture-within-a-culture.

The book before that one was pretty great, too. I'm purposely not saying the titles of these books because I'm hoping you will be compelled to just keep reading the series and discover for yourselves!

But I'm sorry you didn't like The Song Reader. It's a wonderful story. It wasn't always easy to get through, but so worth it in the end. And Rory liked it! LOL

Kristi, The Thin Man - brilliant! Genius! You'll love it!! I was HOOKED, I tell you!

[whichwaydidshego, the sage of sass]

I'm currently reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. I picked up a copy of The Magician's Nephew for two bucks when on my trip, and ended up reading it on the flight home. I was compelled to continue the Narnia series, I enjoyed it so much. I've been mooching all the other books in the series as a result! It's pushed aside my Frankenstein reading (for now) as a result.

[Justine]

I'm reading Valley of the Dolls as my main read right now and Know-It-All by AJ Jacobs as filler - it's written up like the encyclopedia.

I'm a little more than halfway through Valley of the Dolls and I'm just loving it.

[Ann]

Michele, I think you raise such a good point about character development in mysteries. I find that so many times it seems the mystery comes before the characters, which, I understand, but for me I like the mysteries where there's a blend of the two. Of the Agatha Christie books I've read, those are my favorites - the ones where I'm as curious as to the characters' lives and what will happen to them as I am to the plot. So, while I like a good mystery, I LOVE a good mystery with interesting characters!:D

Ooh! Now I'm even more curious to reach Magician's Nephew since you liked it so much!! It's the only one I have left to read aside from Horse and His Boy, which it seems from what I've heard is a fan favorite...:)

[Arctic]

finally reading Einstein's Dreams - and enjoying every minute of it!

[[deleted user]]

At the moment I am reading Oscar and Lucinda, can't read too much of it at once, though because it is a veeeery slow story. Other reads are A people's history of the United States, it is actually really well-written and enjoyable (I know I am a geek, reading history books for fun) and I finally started The Catcher in the Rye because I was in such a Holden-Caulfield-mood today. I have to admit, I like it very much so far, actually a lot more than I thought I would, but that's probably because of my rebellious mood and Holden suiting that pretty well.

[whichwaydidshego, the sage of sass]

Heather! I'm so thrilled! Isn't it so delightful - and thought provoking - and imagination inspiring??? Hooray for Einstein's Dreams!!

[Erin]

Michele - yes, I am tempted to continue reading the Linley mysteries, and mainly because I'm so interested to get to know Linley and Havers better. Will Havers get beyond her preconceptions? Will Linley get over his love for Deborah? Will Linley and Havers ever be friends?? I'll keep you posted on how the next one goes!

[whichwaydidshego, the sage of sass]

Haha! Can't wait to hear what you think! (Promise not to spoil it!)

[Katri]

I went to see the book page for Einstein's Dreams and it sounded so interesting that I added it on my to-read list. Yay for book recommendations! (...because I totally needed even more books I want to read.)

I'm currently reading Selected Journals of L.M. Montgomery : Volume I: 1889-1910. L.M. Montgomery is one of my favourite writers, and I adore reading published journals, and I love her journal-writing style, so I'm very much enjoying it!

I'm actually always reading a few books at a time, but that's what has my main attention now...

[whichwaydidshego, the sage of sass]

Katri, I'm always reading several books at a time, but one does eventually take precedence. Okay, really one generally ends up taking over. Right now, however, cleaning needs to take over. LOL

[Audreedee]

I'm currently reading:



Revoltingly Young: The Journals of Nick Twisp's Younger Brother - C.D. Payne

Slut! Growing Up Female with a Bad Reputation- Leora Tanenbaum
and
The Portable Dorothy Parker.

Revoltingly Young is good but I've been consistently disappointed with all the Twispian books post-Youth In Revolt.

The other two are great. I'm kinda dipping in and out of Dorothy Parker and I'm almost finished Slut! I am on a huge reading buzz at the moment..I love when that happens.

[Jamie (The Perpetual Page-Turner)]

just finished Frankenstein..moving on to Twilight! I still have my reservations about this book..but I'm giving it a chance.

[Ann]

Mothstorm!!! It came out a few weeks ago and I've been SO looking forward to reading it!:D

[Elizabeth]

I am new member to this gruop, but I have started "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan. I am only on pg 9 good so far :o).

[Eliza]

I'm currently reading Anna Karenina and enjoying it a whole lot more than i ever thought i would

[Jessica]

So I was one of the very lucky winners of a book from the authors on this site and the book that I won is Time of My Life: A Novel and I just received it today. So It will be the second book I read along side our books for the month. :-) So I will let you guys know how it is unless someone else would like to read it with me. :-)

[Kathryn]

I just finished The Swan Maiden a YA fantasy novel. I enjoyed this book, though it was nothing spectacular. It held a sense of "old fairy tales" for me--the traditional ones that have a lot of magic and wonder but rather flat characters. Some of the descriptions in "Swan Maiden" are exquisite, and I enjoyed the attention to the French countryside (right down to the herbs and flowers) and the sense of magic that flowed through our heroine, Doucette. However, I did not really sympathize with Doucette--or any of the characters...more I enjoyed this book, though it was nothing spectacular. It held a sense of "old fairy tales" for me--the traditional ones that have a lot of magic and wonder but rather flat characters. Some of the descriptions in "Swan Maiden" are exquisite, and I enjoyed the attention to the French countryside (right down to the herbs and flowers) and the sense of magic that flowed through our heroine, Doucette. However, I did not really sympathize with Doucette--or any of the characters, for that matter; they seemed undeveloped and self-absorbed. Our hero was pleasant enough but, again, lacked depth. Overall, a pleasant if forgettable read. (And I do love the cover art!)

[Arctic]

finished Twilight this morning...now I have to read the whole series. heh. sweet love story.

[Kathryn]

Finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

A sweet, charming and beautiful story about friendship, humanity, heart-full-ness and courage. And I have such a special place in my heart for letters-between-friends; and have made some good friends through letter-writing, so the premise of the story is just too-too perfect! The historical aspect was also very interesting; the island of Guernsey was the only place on British soil occupied by the Germans during WWII. Mercifully (to me, anyway) only a few of the letters dealt with some of the more dreadful details of the occupation, and most of them are delivered in a fairly gentle way, though I was still sickened by some of it--and of course the whole premise is horribly depressing and heartbreaking--but the book is all about the brave souls who strove to keep their kindness and strength through it all (not just the Guernsey residents but even a few of the German soldiers sent to occupy it) and how good books helped them to do it. And the story takes place during the brighter times after the Allied victory. Yet the story is more than a "just sunshine after the rain" tale, it shows how so many were able to find the rainbows while it was still pouring. Also, so much of it is based on the present; on sharing a love of literature, of Guernsey--there's some romance, too. The characters are all so interesting and I feel that I have become friends with them through all their dear letters.

[Jamie (The Perpetual Page-Turner)]

finished Twilight the other day..so good!
now on to Extremely Loud and Incredibly close!

[Ann]

Just started Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson since we were lucky enough to have him in the area signing books and discussing his continuation of the "Wheel of Time" series by Robert Jordan. I haven't read the "Wheel of Time" series, but there were lots of fans in the audience! And I was pleased that Sanderson seemed totally honored to be continuing the story that he, himself, was a huge fan of.
Anyhoo, "Alcatraz" is proving to be highly amusing so far and I'm already intrigued!! :)

[Gwynne]

I read Twilight and was not overly impressed. I am not a big fan of Bella as a person. I'm also just not hugely into the romance seen. I tend to prefer the best friend love stories over the passion sweeping them away.

I am, however, reading New Moon and fully intend to finish the series. I like them. It's just not what I thought it would be, considering all the hype.

[Kristi]

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

[Robbie]

Kristi:
I confess, I never finished that book. It was chosen for my live book club several year ago. Definitely not my genre. Others in the club thought it was great, though.

[Robbie]

I'm currently reading Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal. Pretty funny so far.

[Ann]

Gwynne, do you mean the New Moon series by L. M. Montgomery? If so, I read finished those a few years ago and really ended up loving them! I don't think everyone will love the style of the books, but I did end up completely invested in the characters. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series.:) Have you read any of her other books? I've only read "Blue Castle" and mean to read the Anne books soon.

[Katri]

In midst of finishing my thesis, it seems the only kind of book I can actually focus on is published journals, not novels where I should actually pay constant attention to the plot. So I've made it to The Selected Journals of L.M. Montgomery : Volume II: 1910-1921. Her style is delightful and easy to follow, so I find it a nice way to get away from studying thoughts without being too taxing on my poor brain.

A bit earlier I also started American Gods by Neil Gaiman and The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith, and found both wonderful, but I've had to put them on hold because I just can't concentrate. But I'll return to them later.