Goodreads Ireland discussion
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'Best of 2013' Articles and Lists
I just got the Goodreads list of Best Books and have read three of them. Khaled Hosseini's "And the Mountains Echoed" won best book. I even went down to hear him speak. "Life After Life", a personal favorite, won best historical novel and "Inferno" won for best mystery. Inferno was not my choice but the other two were.
I always look forward to the new York times 10 best books of the year. Not out yet though
I've bookmarked the Sci-fi page for reference, Allan. Thanks for that. The Guardian plugged Dark Eden a couple of times this year, so I'm surprised it didn't make the list.
For some reason I find myself draw to Tracey Thorn's book in the music list. I was never a big EBTG fan, but I loved her collaboration with Massive Attack for Protection.
For some reason I find myself draw to Tracey Thorn's book in the music list. I was never a big EBTG fan, but I loved her collaboration with Massive Attack for Protection.
@Susan. I voted for Life After Life ahead of Burial Rites. I think it had an important edge over it.
Declan I'm glad you chose Burial Rites. I really loved that book. Had you not chosen it I wouldn't have read it and I'm so glad I did.
I really both. They were excellent. But LAL was very imaginative and original.
by Stuart Neville.Thanks, Allan, for the list of best Crime and Thrillers of 2013... Stuart Neville is a favorite Irish crime writer. Here's what The Guardian says:
It's been a very good year for thrillers, too, especially those dealing with recent history. Ratlines by Stuart Neville (Harvill Secker) and Ostland by David Thomas (Quercus) both address the aftermath of the second world war, and The Twelfth Department by William Ryan (Mantle) is set in 1930s Stalinist Russia. Roger Hobbs's stunning debut Ghostman (Doubleday), winner of the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for best thriller, is set in present-day Atlantic City, where a casino heist goes spectacularly wrong. With "bodies everywhere, loot missing, feds circling", the eponymous ghostman, Jack (not his real name, of course), is called in by criminal mastermind Marcus Hayes to sort things out – and some serious violence results. Taut and stylish, this is an outstanding read.
@Allan. The Crime genre takes me a little outside of my comfort zone but it is giving me some great Ideas for gifts.
@Jane... And that review is pretty helpful, too.
@Jane... And that review is pretty helpful, too.
I like the fact that Burial Rites is on a list of good books but I didn't really see it as a crime story. I know it flashed back to one but I usually think of a crime or thriller in a whole different way. It's actually listed under historical fiction which I think is more apt.
@Jamielynn. I kind of agree with you about BR. I find it hard to think of it is a crime novel when we know the outcome from the beginning. The appeal of the book is based around Agnes' relationship with the family.
@Seraphina. It's good see a lot of familiar names in that list. It seems my reading habits are becoming more current.
@Seraphina. It's good see a lot of familiar names in that list. It seems my reading habits are becoming more current.
Ha ha I know what you mean, I normally look at this book list and plan to read books I haven't heard of on it. This year, I've heard of the books....still haven't read them. Progress. Lol
It was an interesting list but I bet the list in America would be completely different. Some of the books on the list I had never heard of but that's why GR is so good. It leads us to unexpected gems.
Was it you who previously recommended Lionel Asbo, Allan? I remember checking it out in Chapters previously based on a group recommendation.
@Allan, nice to hear from you with all that's going on with you. Are you breathless?
I never heard of Doctor Sleep until I read the list. My daughter and one of my brothers are huge Stephen King fans. They'd like to read about the kid from The Shining as an adult. Glad I read the list.
Donna Tartt is well loved too. I read her first book. I would have edited out some of The Secret History but she writes a very good story and keeps you reading.
Donna Tartt is well loved too. I read her first book. I would have edited out some of The Secret History but she writes a very good story and keeps you reading.
Susan-I've had a busy few days alright, but I think that we're more or less sorted now-this time next week I'll be spending my last night of 'single' life-the time has just flown!I'm breathless as well, but with excitement, having just booked this today:
http://www.realnewyorktours.com/tour_...
It's the number one attraction in NYC on Trip Advisor. If you get the chance, take a look at the promo video for the company-it's less than 5 minutes long.
http://youtu.be/HnwyBDzZtNU
Could you get an activity that's any more me?!
They say that your wedding day is the best day of your life, but I'm wondering if this could push it close....! :))) (You know I'm joking, of course!)
Allan I had forgotten you already left! Hope you're having fun!
Jamielynn, I'm actually still on the auld sod-it's almost a fortnight before we head-we've been getting ready for next Saturday these last few days which is why I've been a bit quieter on here-really can't wait to head away though!
It won't be long now, Allan, and don't forget: We want photos.
Oh yes. Lots of photos and reports. And know you have all of our best wishes. And when we don't hear from you for a couple of weeks, there will be no AWOL out for you.
LOL Susan!
Allan I'm excited for you!
Allan I'm excited for you!
Lots of great lists! My TBR pile is going to be towering.
Allan wrote: "Susan-I've had a busy few days alright, but I think that we're more or less sorted now-this time next week I'll be spending my last night of 'single' life-the time has just flown!I'm breathless a..."
Hey Allan, Even as a native New Jersey(an) or (ite?), I'd go on that tour after skimming through the youtube video you posted. It sounds like you'll be in your glory. And if you pass by Cafe Vivaldi (only a few blocks from Washington Square, right in the Village) give it a "hello" for me. It always has live music, and it's a really cool little spot. Have a great time :)
Allan wrote: "Susan-I've had a busy few days alright, but I think that we're more or less sorted now-this time next week I'll be spending my last night of 'single' life-the time has just flown!I'm breathless a..."
It looks wonderful, Allan, like out of Rutherford's novel. He did light up a cigarette so please don't join him. Are you still going to do the helicopter? When you get on stage at Wicked will you take a pix and share?
Susan, I'll definitely not be doing two things-lighting up a cigarette or getting onto the stage at Wicked! We've still not booked the helicopter ride, but will probably do so before we head.I'm so looking forward to the walking tour. The bike tour we did in Berlin in April was along the same lines, and one of the best tours I've ever done, but this one looks even better. I'll probably be able to tell a lot of the stories myself, but it'll be an amazing experience!
Cathleen-I will definitely keep an eye out for Cafe Vivaldi now you've mentioned it-it's great to get a tip from an insider! I'll also be scrolling back through the threads to find the names of the bookshops both you and Sara recommended.
I'm presently listening to Ten Thousand Saints on audiobook to get me in the mood, and will follow with Love Goes to Buildings on Fire about the NYC music scene in the 70s. Then it'll be Bright Lights Big City and Let the Great World Spin again, so I'll be in full NYC mode by the time we arrive!
The best children's literature of 2013, according to The Guardian!http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013...
The link to the Irish Times page which has Books of the Year as selected by various authors, including Donal Ryan, Kate Atkinson, John Banville, Colm Toibin and many more.Declan-I see that there's a book called The Ballad of Mo and G that Donal Ryan selected that's published by Liberties Press-does this publisher have any links to your area?
Thanks for those, Allan. If my niece gets stuck picking a book for herself they give a direction to steer her in.
I think she'd like Extra Yarn, but feel it's a little juvenile for her, and Oliver... might be up her street.
I think she'd like Extra Yarn, but feel it's a little juvenile for her, and Oliver... might be up her street.
Oh, and I don't know where to start discussing the NYT article.
@Allan. I don't know anything really about Liberties Press, and been googling them to try and find an address, but I've found nothing so far. If I come across any solid links about it I'll let you know.
I shared the 100 notable books from NY Times at the weekend, but didn't realise that the Top 10 had a separate article. It's interesting to see that at least four of the five fiction choices have a lot of advocates in the group.http://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/12/15/...
In the graphic novels article I look the sound of The Great War. I've never even looked at a GN that wasn't based on superheroes, and that sounds pretty gripping.
The top 10 article is far easier to discuss than the 100 Notable... I'll have to read The Goldfinch, soon, and I'm going to add Americanah to my list.
The top 10 article is far easier to discuss than the 100 Notable... I'll have to read The Goldfinch, soon, and I'm going to add Americanah to my list.
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It's just been added, Sara. I've heard good things about it in passing but I not enough to make me seriously consider it... Until now, that is.
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Allan wrote: "I shared the 100 notable books from NY Times at the weekend, but didn't realise that the Top 10 had a separate article. It's interesting to see that at least four of the five fiction choices have a..."Have you read Flamethrowers? It sounds like it's right up your alley.
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Oh, I didn't read it. It just said it was about NYC and Allan loves to read about NYC.
Allan wrote: "I shared the 100 notable books from NY Times at the weekend, but didn't realise that the Top 10 had a separate article. It's interesting to see that at least four of the five fiction choices have a..."I haven't read any of the non-fiction and the only one that interests me is the one about Memorial Hospital as I've heard good things. I tried reading Tenth of December and just couldn't get into it. I have The Flamethrowers on my "to read" list already so may get to it.
Susan / Sara / Barbara-I bought The Flamethrowers on audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed it-Rachel Kushner was even at No Alibis on her book tour, and David the owner, knowing my reading tastes, told me off for not being there. I had the excuse of being in Mexico when it was on though! I have to say I enjoyed The Goldfinch more, but all the same, it's a book that's well worth reading!
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The first article should interest Declan, Sara and LMM-'The Best Science Fiction books of 2013'.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013...
If there is interest in the thread, I'll be particularly keen to read members' own favourites of the year, given that I've managed to get plenty of recommendations already this way since joining the group!