What are you reading and why? Jan-Jun 2014 Showing 601-650 of 1,330

[Casceil]

My goodness, Cherie, you don't do things by halves, do you? Be careful about pausing too long in reading One Hundred Years of Solitude. I did that while balancing multiple reads, and when I got back to it I had considerable difficulty keeping all the names straight. (The fact that every new generation seemed to recycle the names of their parents and grandparents did not help.)

[Cherie]

Marnie wrote: "Oh boy Cherie! When I am reading multiple books, which I do all the time, I usually find one pulls away as the one I'm most interested in. I've never read six at one time though. I will look forwar..."

I seem to be doing pretty well giving them all equal time. I have to keep up with The Secret River bcause it is on Overdrive from the library. It will expire in 17 days and I would not know until the last day if it can be re-newed. The Bear book and Rembmbering Babylon are from the library, but in print, so I don't have to be too anxious about renewing them. Both of them are very good so far. The Good Earth is going to be my "before I go to sleep" read. I can set the timer on the Audible ap on my iPod.

[Esther]

Cherie wrote: "Marnie wrote: "Oh boy Cherie! When I am reading multiple books, which I do all the time, I usually find one pulls away as the one I'm most interested in. I've never read six at one time though. I w..."

I always end up with a bunch of books also. Mostly because i do not carry trade / hardcover /borrow and library books around and i have 'just in case' books all over. But i always have one book that is my official read. I am almost done with my last slug books do it is safe to say that the paperbacks in my mickey pile will soon get the just in case slots.

[Travis]

Cherie wrote: "Travis of NNY wrote: "That is exactly it with the audio
Constant changing narrators makes it hard to really bond with characters when they will be different next time around."

The best part of re..."

Similarly I read 8 of a series and listened to yhr ninth and it was horrible. The voices in my head were actually way better than the narrator for once.

[Cherie]

Casceil wrote: "Be careful about pausing too long in reading One Hundred Years of Solitude. I did that while balancing multiple reads, and when I got back to it I had considerable difficulty keeping all the names straight. (The fact that every new generation seemed to recycle the names of their parents and grandparents did not help.)..."

Hi Casceil,
Yes, I know about OHYoS. This is my second go at it.
I am actually enjoying it more the this time around. I blasted through it too fast the first time and put it down for something else and could never get back into it. The names never bothered me so much as "what took place when". I appreciate the beginning part of the story more this time.

[Janice, Moderator]

Cherie wrote: "I am not sure how I got myself into this, but I am juggling six books all at the same time. It wasn't good enough at five, and I had to add another last night.
I am reading [book:Beyond the Bear: ..."

You should get a special juggler award!

[Cherie]

LOL! Probably just have my head examined, more likely. I just couldn't wait to finish what I was already reading before I got to the next one. They all looked/sounded too good to be put off.

[Peggy]

I'm still reading Gone with the Wind, about 40% done. Overall I really enjoy it, there are parts when I just can't stop reading (always when I'm on the train and arrived at work!) and I can't wait to get back on the train again. The beginning was a bit slow maybe, it took me a few chapters to get into the book, then it drew me in and now it's drawing me in more and more. Can't wait to find out what else is going to happen!

I do notice I perhaps don't have enough knowledge of the Civil War to experience all the impact the book would have on others. We don't study this in school, so I know hardly anything. I've heard of General Lee and General Sherman, but before this book I wouldn't have known who fought on what side. And when there was talk about the armies fighting at Gettysburg the name rang a bell and I knew that city had something to do with the war, but I didn't realize it was one of the largest and most important battles. I think people more familiar with this war might read or experience the war-parts differently, with more understanding. Still, Margaret Mitchell really brings across what it must have been like during the war, the atmosphere, the work in the hospital etc., so I can relate to that despite my lack of knowledge of war-facts.

[Suzanne]

Cherie wrote: "I am not sure how I got myself into this, but I am juggling six books all at the same time. It wasn't good enough at five, and I had to add another last night.
I am reading Beyond the Bear: ..."</i>

I don't know how you do it! I can handle two relatively well, and three if I must, but even at three I start to feel pressed for time and anxious about juggling them all. BTW - [book:The Secret River was a favorite of mine as well:)

[Cherie]

Peggy wrote: "I'm still reading Gone with the Wind, about 40% done. Overall I really enjoy it, there are parts when I just can't stop reading (always when I'm on the train and arrived at work!) and ..."

I am glad you are enjoying GWtW, Peggy.
Although, we DO study the Civil War in school in the US - I am always intrigued to come across another point of view or something about the conflict I never heard or thought of before. I listened to May the Road Rise Up to Meet You last year. It was my very first Audible book and I loved it. The main character that the book starts off with is Irish and it tells of how he and his family came to America during the potatoe famine - sad, sad, sad, - but beautiful too. He is a young man during the Civil War and the book talks about how the Irish imagrants faught in various campaigns. I had never heard any of the stories told like the author did in this book. You may be interested in reading the book, or listening to it. It was wonderfully narrated in four different voices for the main characters.

[Cherie]

Suzanne wrote: "I don't know how you do it! I can handle two relatively well, and three if I must, but even at three I start to feel pressed for time and anxious about juggling them all. BTW - The Secret River was a favorite of mine as well:)..."

I used to feel the same way, Suzanne! Right now, I am enjoying the juggling. It is still early in the month so I do not feel too pressed for time. I doubt that I would do it this way if it were later. :)

[Travis]

Finished 11-22-63 or for our European friends I guess it should be 22-11-63 always confusing to me. Starting Doctor Sleep

[Sarah]

Travis of NNY wrote: "Finished 11-22-63 or for our European friends I guess it should be 22-11-63 always confusing to me. Starting Doctor Sleep"

So did it stay as "best book read ever" to the end? Enjoy Doctor Sleep - I thought it was great - and check out the buddy read discussion that Janice and I had on it.

[Marnie]

I just finished The Island of Dr. Moreau and am now going to start The Madman's Daughter which is based on Moreau.

[Cherie]

Marnie wrote: "I just finished The Island of Dr. Moreau and am now going to start The Madman's Daughter which is based on Moreau."

Wow, that is almost three times the number of pages than the original. Can't wait to hear about it, given that you had to put the original down so you would not have nightmares. I want to know if Ms. Shepherd writes in the same "voice or tone" as Mr. Wells and what's in her blood. :0)

[Travis]

Sarah wrote: "Travis of NNY wrote: "Finished 11-22-63 or for our European friends I guess it should be 22-11-63 always confusing to me. Starting Doctor Sleep"

So did it stay as "best book read e..."

I'll call it top ten to be safe. I forgot about the buddy read. This book is a bit screwy to start but I think I'm starting to get the hang of it.

[Suzanne]

Going to start City of Thieves today. I know I'm late for the February book discussion, but I may make a comment or two on the thread anyway:)

[Dem]

Just finished and enjoyed The Last Queen: A Novel This is my review: www.goodreads.com/review/show/865079964

[Janice, Moderator]

I finished Reliquary on audiobook. I didn't really enjoy it. I hope the next book in the series is better.

I started The Raven Boys but didn't get further than the prologue before a friend called with an impromptu invite for supper.

[Sarah]

I finished The Round House for the group read which I enjoyed. Now moving on to another group read (in Stephen King Recs) Something Wicked This Way Comes which is my first book by Bradbury.

[Travis]

I started The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

Janice it looks like we had the same reaction to Reliquary. Hoping it was just a dud since so many people speak so highly of the series. I thought I had also read book 3 since I had it marked a s read, but I can find no evidence of even owning it so must be a case of my finger hitting the read button instead of want to read.

[Sarah]

Just finished the audiobook The Crane Wife which I enjoyed but I can't decide still how much so going to think about it before I rate it and write a review. Starting another audio with The Shining Girls and I have also started reading Living Aboard which looks at the pros and cons of living on a boat (we're thinking about this as a possibility and want to find out more about it).

[Peggy]

I started De Vriendschap for the monthly challenge.

[Janice, Moderator]

Travis of NNY wrote: "I started The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

Janice it looks like we had the same reaction to Reliquary. Hoping it was just a dud since so many people speak so highly of the series. I though..."

I have The Cabinet of Curiosities (book 3) in paperback and I'm hoping its better. You gave it 3 stars, yet now you're not sure you read it. Obviously, it wasn't memorable if you did read it. LOL! It sounds to be very similar in story to the first two books... underground New York... strange murders. I do find the idea of underground NYC to be intriguing.

[Janice, Moderator]

Sarah wrote: "Just finished the audiobook The Crane Wife which I enjoyed but I can't decide still how much so going to think about it before I rate it and write a review. Starting another audio w..."

I was quite intrigued by the book blurb on Audible and immediately placed it in my wishlist. I almost used a credit on it right then and there. I shall be watching for your review.

[Marnie]

Sarah

We have lots of " live aboards" in the Seattle area. From what I hear the biggest advantage is you get really good at decluttering your stuff - :).

My friend just floated her home ( she had a floating house built on Lake Union). That would be the closest I could get to boat living. I'm not too crazy about the motion on boats.

[Tasha]

Finished Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman for Slick's which I listened to on audio. Very interesting.

I am still reading The Round House which I am loving.

[Travis]

Janice wrote: "Travis of NNY wrote: "I started The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

Janice it looks like we had the same reaction to Reliquary. Hoping it was just a dud since so many people speak so highly o..."

The storyline sounds similar I think that's how I got mixed up and marked it as read. I think I may head to a print version as well the narrations are too mixed up in this series.

[Sarah]

Marnie wrote: "Sarah

We have lots of " live aboards" in the Seattle area. From what I hear the biggest advantage is you get really good at decluttering your stuff - :).

My friend just floated her home ( she ha..."

Decluttering sounds amazing - we have way too much stuff! I don't think I would like the motion of a boat on a river but we have canals here which are pretty still so that is what we are thinking on.

[Sarah]

Janice wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Just finished the audiobook The Crane Wife..."

I was quite intrigued by the book blurb on Audible and immediately placed it in my wishlist. I almost used a credit on it right then and there. I shall be watching for your review."

I did enjoy it - the audio was fantastic although I think I'd have got on better with the print book as there was the main story plus the story of the Japanese folk story of the crane wife which ran in between and I found for some reason that I couldn't follow the latter - my mind kept wandering, and as such I think I may have missed some symbolism and parallels between that and the main story. So it's not the story that was the problem but more me and my mind wandering. I'm umming and arring between 3 and 4 stars at the moment (although I feel bad if I go for 3 stars so I'm going to think on it a bit more).

[Janice, Moderator]

Travis of NNY wrote: "The storyline sounds similar I think that's how I got mixed up and marked it as read. I think I may head to a print version as well the narrations are too mixed up in this series."

I wonder why that happened. The first three books were each done by different narrators.

Then, starting with Book 4 Scott Brick was the narrator. While he can be a hit or a miss, I enjoyed his performance of Still Life With Crows and the voice he gave Pendergast.

It looks like Rene Auberjonois took over at book 8. He did all the abridged versions as well. Have you listened to any books narrated by Rene?

[Travis]

Janice wrote: "Travis of NNY wrote: "The storyline sounds similar I think that's how I got mixed up and marked it as read. I think I may head to a print version as well the narrations are too mixed up in this ser..."

Can't say I've ever heard of such a person. Will Patton would have made a perfect Pendergast I think.

[Janice, Moderator]

He was a regular cast member of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He was also Father Mulcahy in the film version of M*A*S*H*, and Reverend Oliver in The Patriot with Mel Gibson.

I agree about Will Patton. :) I'm listening to him right now in The Raven Boys.

[Dawn]

Reading The City by Stella Gemmell as my first book in my Roadrunner section.

[Suzanne]

Going to start The Invisible Bridge today - it's the first book in my Mickey's Marcher's list!

[Travis]

Janice wrote: "He was a regular cast member of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He was also Father Mulcahy in the film version of M*A*S*H*, and Reverend Oliver in The Patriot with Mel Gibson.

I agree about Will Pa..."

Have you read James Lee Burke I really liked the first of the Dave robichaux ? Books The Neon Rain the whole series I believe is by Will Patton

[Janice, Moderator]

No, I haven't. I've added to my wishlist. Thanks. :)

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Travis of NNY wrote: "Can't say I've ever heard of such a person."

You'd probably know him if you saw him. Actor. I know him mostly from Boston Legal. Paul. The older man who along with Murphy Brown (Candice someone) has to keep William Shatner and James Spader in line.

[Lilisa]

Just finished A Fort of Nine Towers: An Afghan Family Story set in Afghanistan - well worth the read for sure. My review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Dem]

finished an really enjoyed Birds Without Wings This is my review www.goodreads.com/review/show/868352289

[Almeta]

Dem wrote: "finished an really enjoyed Birds Without Wings This is my review www.goodreads.com/review/show/868352289"

This is coming up soon for me on my Chunkster list.
I'm glad that you liked it. I am a little apprehensive, because I've read so many war torn village books lately! Can I take on one more?

[Esther]

I am currently reading The Round House. I so want to start my monthly challenge book but i know if i open it, nothing is going to get done today.

Audiobook: i am almost done with Twelve Years a Slave and next is the 2nd of King's dark tower series.

[Dem]

Almeta wrote: "Dem wrote: "finished an really enjoyed Birds Without Wings This is my review www.goodreads.com/review/show/868352289"

This is coming up soon for me..."

Its probably a good idea to take a break between books which are difficult reads like this. It is certainly a great read and well worth it. I also think its a mood book. A friend bought it for me at Christmas but I it took me a couple of months before I felt ready to delve in. Will look forward to your thought when I you do get to read it Almeta.

[Roz]

Suzanne wrote: "Going to start The Invisible Bridge today - it's the first book in my Mickey's Marcher's list!"

I hope you like the book as much as I did. It's one of my favorites.

[Roz]

Dawn wrote: "Reading The City by Stella Gemmell as my first book in my Roadrunner section."

Let me know what you think. It was my first Slugs book that started the Chunkster Challenge.

[Roz]

I'm reading The Man from Beijing for the Chunkster Challenge. I had to revise my selections and I'm going to have to pair this one with another. Not sure what yet.

[Janice, Moderator]

I finished Something Wicked This Way Comes yesterday and had a night of nightmares. I woke up a couple of times only to continue the dream when I went back to sleep.

I started my "no place like home" challenge read, From Away. It will cross off another book from my left over stew challenge as well.

[Sarah]

Janice wrote: "I finished Something Wicked This Way Comes yesterday and had a night of nightmares. I woke up a couple of times only to continue the dream when I went back to sleep."

Oh no! Maybe I need to rethink when I finish reading it then! Hopefully you'll get a better nights sleep with your next book!

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Janice wrote: "I finished Something Wicked This Way Comes yesterday and had a night of nightmares. I woke up a couple of times only to continue the dream when I went back to sleep.

I started my..."

Oh I hate that! I had to go walk around the house for a bit the other night because I kept waking up, then falling asleep again to the same dream, then waking up etc. It was that the Russians bombed the Ukrainians and turned them all into coconut chicken. Don't ask, I really do not have any idea either.

[Janice, Moderator]

I think the book was only part of the influence. I've been stressing a bit lately and I think that added to the mix.