Constant Reader discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
Short Form
>
What I'm Reading NOVEMBER 2013
message 151:
by
John
(new)
Nov 19, 2013 08:36PM
I had been interested in that title, but put off by reviews.
reply
|
flag
After reading The Silent House by Orhan Pamuk, I have some interest in Turkish literature n tales.. so I started reading The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak.. its lyrical literary style is grips u untill u contain all that the character offers.. but m going to dissociate now n then so that I get to savour the taste longer.,
John wrote: "I had been interested in that title, but put off by reviews."I have a fondness for kids who have brains and guts, so I really enjoyed it. To Kill a Mockingbird and Peace Like a River are two that also come to mind. And I tend to think kids are way more intelligent than the usual author portrayal.
I read Shafak's The Bastard of Istanbul and enjoyed that. Thanks for bringing this other book to my attention. She is a really interesting writer.
John wrote: "I had been interested in that title, but put off by reviews."I flipped through a few of the reviews, and most of the criticisms were for the unbelievability of the minor characters. But I didn't find them unbelievable at all. The uncle who was criticized as "flakey", for instance, was also one the author supposedly gave us no clues for understanding. Well, that cracked me up, because I thought she hit us over the head with "understanding" him!
I remember zipping through some of The Glass Castle's reviews, and laughing at how many people thought that it was a wildly improbable memoir. But, for quite a few people, it told the story of their own crazy childhoods in a powerful way.
I just finished two books. One was really trashy: AND ONLY TO DECEIVE by Tasha Alexander. I picked it up because someone had compared it to Jane Austen. It is really just a silly romance with a beautiful main character who is surrounded by handsome men.The second one is IN ONE PERSON by John Irving. I loved it. He always has such memorable characters, and I loved his main character, Bill Abbott, and Miss Frost and many others.
Finished reading
The Tower, the Zoo and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart – 3.5*** Balthazar Jones, his wife, Hebe, and their pet tortoise have lived in the Tower of London since he became a Beefeater. The central story revolves around their struggle to cope with the loss of their son. We come to know these two wounded souls by watching them at work. Interspersed with their stories we have tidbits of Tower factoids, and a reverend with a secret secular life. The result is a quirky love story, a mini-lesson in history, and a whimsical social commentary all rolled into one. Some of the scenarios were a little too over-the-top, but I was interested from beginning to end and enjoyed it overall.
Book Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
That one's been on my TBR pile for a while, B C.
I read The Falcon and the Snowman: A True Story of Friendship & Espionage for my f2f book club. It was an interesting discussion about a book that was a little dry but factual. Christopher Boyce, the "falcon" of the spy duo escaped from federal prison after he was sentenced to 40 years, spent 18 months on the lam doing bank robberies, was captured and sent back to prison where he only did 26 total years. He's free now. I feel he should have been given at least life imprisonment.
I finally finished reading Anna Karenina, a classic by Leo Tolstoy. I want to watch the movie with Kyra Knightly, and I thought I should read the book first. It was a long, slow slog, with short spurts of sublime writing sprinkled in the 800+ pages. For my full review, go here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book Concierge wrote: "Finished reading The Tower, the Zoo and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart – 3.5*** Balthazar Jones, his wife, Hebe, and their pet tortoise ha..."
I've been wanting to read this too, BC. Thanks for the review.
Beth wrote: "I finally finished reading Anna Karenina, a classic by Leo Tolstoy. I want to watch the movie with Kyra Knightly, and I thought I should read the book first. It was a long, slow slo..."I've read this several times, mostly because I own a copy, and it really is dark and fatalistic, isn't it?
Karlyne wrote: "Beth wrote: "I finally finished reading Anna Karenina, a classic by Leo Tolstoy. I want to watch the movie with Kyra Knightly, and I thought I should read the book first. It was a l...""Anna Karenina" is in my top ten all time favorite books. It's really the story of Levin and Kitty that I love; Anna, not so much. The movie is very stylistic, so it was a good decision to read the book first.
DonnaR wrote: "Karlyne wrote: "Beth wrote: "I finally finished reading Anna Karenina, a classic by Leo Tolstoy. I want to watch the movie with Kyra Knightly, and I thought I should read the book f..."Do you recommend the movie, Donna?
DonnaR wrote: "Karlyne wrote: "Beth wrote: "I finally finished reading Anna Karenina, a classic by Leo Tolstoy. I want to watch the movie with Kyra Knightly, and I thought I should read the book f..."Yes, the Levin and Kitty subplot had more "juice" for me. But on the whole I prefer W+P because there's not such great despair. However, AK does show how the noose could close around people who fell in love, esp. women.
Haven't seen the movie, but I'm not a fan of Keira Knightly, except, for some reason, in Bend It Like Beckham.
Karlyne, no, I was disappointed in the movie.
Gina wrote: "I read The Falcon and the Snowman: A True Story of Friendship & Espionage for my f2f book club. It was an interesting discussion about a book that was a little dry but factual. Christopher Boyce, the "falcon" of the spy duo escaped from federal prison after he was sentenced to 40 years, spent 18 months on the lam doing bank robberies, was captured and sent back to prison where he only did 26 total years. He's free now. I feel he should have been given at least life imprisonment. "Gina, I think that many prison sentences--especially ones related to personal use of drugs--are actually too long. That said, I don't know how you get sentenced to prison for 40 years, break out and rob 17(!) banks, and then end up serving only 26 years. I agree that Boyce should have been put away for life. BTW, the book won the Edgar for best crime nonfiction. I read it when it first came out and thought it was a fine piece of writing.
Hello, everyone. I've just started The Orphan Master's Son. Only about 40 pages in, but I'm loving it so far. I'll let you know more as I get deeper into the book.
Beth wrote: "I finally finished reading Anna Karenina, a classic by Leo Tolstoy. I want to watch the movie with Kyra Knightly, and I thought I should read the book first. It was a long, slow slo..."Good for you, Beth. I've started that a couple times, and while it seems good when I'm reading, I just don't pick it up again. But the movie is on my Netflix list as well.
Ruth wrote: "Reading Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O'farrel. So far so good."I've got the audio on deck.
Margie wrote: "Hello, everyone. I've just started The Orphan Master's Son. Only about 40 pages in, but I'm loving it so far. I'll let you know more as I get deeper into the book."This is our next group read for our Reading List. We'll start discussing it on the 15th of December. Make sure you look for that discussion.
Sara wrote: "Ruth wrote: "Reading Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O'farrel. So far so good."I've got the audio on deck."
Me, too.
Finished reading
My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor – 4**** The first Latina Supreme Court Justice chronicles her childhood, youth, training and experience on the road to becoming a federal judge. I found it interesting and I was captivated from the beginning. Rita Moreno does a wonderful job of narrating the audio version. She has an enthusiasm that is infectious and really brings life to the text.
Book Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Great review BC. I can believe Moreno does a good job, she is a fantastic actress. Always been a favorite. :)
Cateline wrote: "Great review BC. I can believe Moreno does a good job, she is a fantastic actress. Always been a favorite. :)"
I don't listen to audio books, but if I did, I'd pick Rita Moreno to narrate everytime!
I hardly ever do either Karlyne. It's a shame really, so many good actors doing them. But apparently I can't walk and chew gum at the same time. :) I have to sit and concentrate on the voice, but then it puts me to sleep....! No winning there. heh
Cateline wrote: "I hardly ever do either Karlyne. It's a shame really, so many good actors doing them. But apparently I can't walk and chew gum at the same time. :) I have to sit and concentrate on the voice, ..."
My problem exactly! I don't commute, or drive long distances often, and those are the only ways I could listen! Zzzzzzzz
I listen when I take walks, or wash pots, or any other chore which I dislike (which is most of them).
Sherry wrote: "I listen when I take walks, or wash pots, or any other chore which I dislike (which is most of them)."That sounds nice, Sherry! But I'm addicted to the sound of silence (when I can get it); I can't even listen to background music without getting antsy.
Karlyne wrote: "Sherry wrote: "I listen when I take walks, or wash pots, or any other chore which I dislike (which is most of them)."That sounds nice, Sherry! But I'm addicted to the sound of silence (when I ca..."
I quite like the silence as well. And actually I lose track and this COde are a bear to retrace steps...for me at least.
On car trips my husband and I seem to talk a lot, so no listening there. Which is funny as we bought a number
of books to listen to! heh
Meant CDs..... on Kindle and cannot seem to be able to edit.
I've begun Isabel Allende's memoir My Invented Country: A Nostalgic Journey Through Chile, which is turning out better than I'd expected.
Sherry wrote: "I listen when I take walks, or wash pots, or any other chore which I dislike (which is most of them)."Me, too. Reading while doing chores is a huge advantage of audiobooks. I also listen when I go to bed, in order to fall asleep!
Jane wrote: "I just finished two books. One was really trashy: AND ONLY TO DECEIVE by Tasha Alexander. I picked it up because someone had compared it to Jane Austen. It is really just a silly romance with a..."I love Irving and didn't realize he had another book out. It's going right into my TBR list!
Just finished Lies You Wanted to Hear. It had well portrayed characters and an interesting story all the way through.
I just finished The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian bySherman Alexie for my in-person book club. This is classified as young adult because it is about a teenager, but has widespread appeal to older readers as well. It is the semi-autobiographical story of a gifted Indian boy from the "rez" who doesn't really fit in anywhere, but loves his family and his people. Large parts of it are hilarious, but it also deals with serious issues as well, particularly the overwhelming incidence of alcoholism on the reservation. The boy transfers to a middle-class white high school for better opportunities, which is a huge adjustment. It's short (240 pages) and entertaining. Highly recommended.I also finished The Orphan Master's Son, which is going to make a great book for discussion come December 15 on Constant Reader.
Ann wrote: "I just finished The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian bySherman Alexie for my in-person book club. This is classified as young adult because it is about a teen..."I bought the Alexie book for Lily and she loved it. It looks like I should read it, too.
Ann wrote: "I just finished The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian bySherman Alexie for my in-person book club. This is classified as young adult because it is about a teen..."I gave the Alexie book to my grandson a few years ago. He loved it, too. But like Sherry, I haven't read it..
I'm currently reading Earth Girl by Janet Edwards. It's a YA science-fiction novel and it was in the goodie bag of a convention I went to back in February. I don't think I'd ever have stumbled across it if I hadn't received a copy by pot luck, but I'm really enjoying it so far.The plot features a future where humanity is spread across the stars, apart from a minority of humans labelled 'apes' due to a genetic flaw that renders their immune system useless away from Earth. It's a bit of a macguffin, but that's fine in the circumstances, as it drives not only the story, but also the characters attitudes and morals. Edwards uses science-fiction trappings to explore how young people respond to issues of disability and cultural difference, without ever getting too 'racism is bad mkay?' preachy. The 'handicapped' central character begins the book perceiving herself to be a victim of discrimination, but is equally blinkered (perhaps more so) in her views of the normal humans she meets.
We're on five stars at the moment as far as I'm concerned, but I've got a good chunk of the book still to go, so who knows...
Ann wrote: "I just finished The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian bySherman Alexie for my in-person book club. This is classified as young adult because it is about a teen..."I haven't read any Sherman Alexie in a while (this might be a book my library has, so I'll check). I started reading him after I saw Smoke Signals, one of the best indy films ever!
Karlyne wrote: I don't commute, or drive long distances often, and those are the only ways I could listen!..."My daily commute is 30-40 minutes each way. Today - first significant snowfall of the season - it was nearly 2 HOURS getting to work. I would have finished two discs but I needed to listen to the radio for part of that commute to figure out what was going on with the traffic snarl.
Book Concierge wrote: "Karlyne wrote: I don't commute, or drive long distances often, and those are the only ways I could listen!..."My daily commute is 30-40 minutes each way. Today - first significant snowfall of th..."
Did you meet yourself coming back??? That's a heck of a commute! Hope the return is better!
Finished House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III about 2 a.m. Wow, just.....Wow. Full review here. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished Nero Wolfe up through book 4. Too Many Cooks up next. Going through the 13 books on film I've read the last month for notes for v. 3. Looking forward to getting this next volume done over Xmas!
Robert wrote: "Finished Nero Wolfe up through book 4. Too Many Cooks up next. Going through the 13 books on film I've read the last month for notes for v. 3. Looking forward to getting this next volume done over ..."I think I only have one lone Nero Wolfe on my shelves. I'll put him on my to-look-for list!
Andrew wrote: "I'm currently reading Earth Girl by Janet Edwards. It's a YA science-fiction novel and it was in the goodie bag of a convention I went to back in February. I don't think I'd ever ha..."Andrew, I wouldn't have pictured myself reading YA science fiction but that sounds very good. Keep us posted when you finish.
Barbara wrote: "Andrew wrote: "I'm currently reading Earth Girl by Janet Edwards. It's a YA science-fiction novel and it was in the goodie bag of a convention I went to back in February. I don't th..."One of the YA best science fiction novels that I read in recent years was Bernard Beckett's Genesis. (You could leave out the "YA" in that sentence ... it was just one of the best SF novels that I read in recent years.) Thoughtful with a huge twist at the end.
Robert wrote: "Finished Nero Wolfe up through book 4. Too Many Cooks up next. Going through the 13 books on film I've read the last month for notes for v. 3. Looking forward to getting this next volume done over ..."You're reading him in order? That's fun, a kind of tour through U.S. history, since Stout likes to drag in the issues of the day.
Whenever possible, I try to read things in either the order of composition or the internal chronology. Helps me understand the literary development, either in terms of a writer's concerns, or how they put together stories written out of sequence. I like seeing solutions to such carpentry.
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Constant Reader
Books mentioned in this topic
Dear Family (other topics)Dear Family (other topics)
The Lost Mother (other topics)
Dissident Gardens (other topics)
Mudbound (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Sherman Alexie (other topics)Sherman Alexie (other topics)
Sherman Alexie (other topics)
Sherman Alexie (other topics)
Andre Dubus III (other topics)
More...
