What are you reading and why? Jan-Jun 2014 Showing 301-350 of 1,330

[Nancy from NJ]

Looking for something else this morning, I came across this and think it applies to me and probably all of you too.

“I read because one life isn't enough, and in the page of a book I can be anybody;
I read because the words that build the story become mine, to build my life;
I read not for happy endings but for new beginnings; I'm just beginning myself, and I wouldn't mind a map;
I read because I have friends who don't, and young though they are, they're beginning to run out of material;
I read because every journey begins at the library, and it's time for me to start packing;
I read because one of these days I'm going to get out of this town, and I'm going to go everywhere and meet everybody, and I want to be ready.”
― Richard Peck, Anonymously Yours

[Nancy from NJ]

This is what I was looking for this morning. Hope it's OK to post it here. Somehow I don't think anybody will mind since it is so true and so succinct.


Reader's Bill of Rights

1. The right to not read

2. The right to skip pages

3. The right to not finish

4. The right to reread

5. The right to read anything

6. The right to escapism

7. The right to read anywhere

8. The right to browse

9. The right to read out loud

10. The right to not defend your tastes”

― Daniel Pennac

[Esther]

Nancy wrote: "This is what I was looking for this morning. Hope it's OK to post it here. Somehow I don't think anybody will mine since it is so true and so succinct.


Reader's Bill of Rights

1. The right to ..."

This comes from his book Comme un roman(The Rights of the Reader). One of the books I let lie in the pile by my bed for almost a year. Then read it in one sitting. And then spend hours on the phone with a friend talking about it. Although it's a 20 year old essay, I am sure it has not suffer from the passage of time. It's about the love for books and passing it along.

[Samantha A]

Currently reading
Tell the Wolves I'm Home - Carol Rifka Brunt
Vampires in the Lemon Grove: Stories - Karen Russell

and still trying to get into
Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn

[Janice, Moderator]

Samantha wrote: "Currently reading
Tell the Wolves I'm Home - Carol Rifka Brunt
[book:Vampire..."

Enjoy! I can only vouch for Gone Girl. It was a five star read for me.

[Janice, Moderator]

I claim the right to skip pages. I got to a particularly tense section of the book I'm reading (Under This Unbroken Sky) and I had to sneak ahead. Much more intense parts coming! I can't stand it! I don't want to do the things I have lined up today. I want to read!

[Samantha A]

Janice wrote: "Samantha wrote: "Currently reading
Tell the Wolves I'm Home - Carol Rifka Brunt
[bookcover:Vampires in the Lemon Grove: Stories|135318..."

I am 50% into Tell the Wolves I'm Home and LOVING it!!

[Nancy from NJ]

I never finished Gone Girl. For me it was a real predictable read.

[Marnie]

I am listening to Jim Henson: The Biography. Because it doesn't require a lot of concentration it it breezing by. Also when I'm driving my husband around I don't have to fill him in on the plot...I might need to add more nonfiction books!

[Travis]

Started Caliban's War

[Nancy from NJ]

It just stopped snowing and since my plans were cancelled for this evening I plan on watching TV and possibly finishing Tatiana and Alexander. It's interesting how the author goes back in time to rehash some incidents she wrote about in the first book as a parallel to whats happening in present time. I'm getting a bit annoyed with this title.

[Janice, Moderator]

Nancy wrote: "I never finished Gone Girl. For me it was a real predictable read."

Where did you quit reading? (You may have to put your answer in spoilers.) I figured out what the major twist was fairly early in the book, but the details and the ending was far from being predictable.

[Nancy from NJ]

I only read about 50 pages but to me it was very obvious from the beginning. I'm most likely older than you and lots of things that are being done now are based on things that were already written or made into movies, etc. I obviously missed what everybody else thought was so good.

[Janice, Moderator]

Nancy wrote: "I only read about 50 pages but to me it was very obvious from the beginning. I'm most likely older than you and lots of things that are being done now are based on things that were already written..."

Actually, I think we're probably fairly close in age. I have a 15 year old grandson. :)

If you only read the first 50 pages of the book, you did miss out. You left the party before it got started. Granted, the party was a bit slow getting started.

But, I'm not trying to convince you that the book was a wild party. Everyone has their own taste in books. I've bailed on books that others thought was amazing because it wasn't a fit for me.

[Samantha A]

Going on record and recommending Tell the Wolves I'm Home to everyone.

[Janice, Moderator]

Now that I have finished Doctor Sleep, I will start Riders of the Purple Sage. I put my chunkster audiobooks on hold until I get to Mickey's section, so Riders has climbed to the top of my audiobook list. This book will be a change of pace for me. I don't read many westerns, but it's a classic, a freebie, and being read by Mark Bramhill. How could I resist?

[Nancy from NJ]

I am off to Manhattan to see the Broadway show, After Midnight. Hope to finish Tatiana and Alexander sometime today and continue reading Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen. This winter has been great for reading.

[Travis]

I found during my last book that while reading epic fantasy there is some obsession with characters spitting or rather "spat". If I put a quarter in a jar everytime I here the word "spat" I should be able to retire in 5 years I do believe.

[Travis]

Janice wrote: "Now that I have finished Doctor Sleep, I will start Riders of the Purple Sage. I put my chunkster audiobooks on hold until I get to Mickey's section, so Riders has cli..."

I enjoy the occasional western. It is something I compare with sitting in the shade on a hot day. A nice way to relax but not really intense or full of action. Usually just a stress free read to just enjoy the story for me.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Travis of NNY wrote: "I found during my last book that while reading epic fantasy there is some obsession with characters spitting or rather "spat". If I put a quarter in a jar everytime I here the word "spat" I should..."

My book at the moment, it's vomiting. What's with all the bodily fluids!

[Lilisa]

Samantha wrote: "Going on record and recommending Tell the Wolves I'm Home to everyone."

I enjoyed it as well - it is a touching, sweet and well-written novel. I loved June!

[Colleen]

Just finished Loved it,5+ star read.It is the second book the 1st being and it continues on from where The Broken ends.It is written very well!

[Colleen]

Another very good short story I finished recently is of a different genre but very good,about an encounter on a train journey,very insightful

[Janice, Moderator]

Travis of NNY wrote: "I enjoy the occasional western. It is something I compare with sitting in the shade on a hot day. A nice way to relax but not really intense or full of action. Usually just a stress free read to just enjoy the story for me. ."

Did you read The Sisters Brothers? I really enjoyed it.

[Sarah]

I have just started Steelheart which should be a nice enjoyable read. I've had to put The Tooth Fairy on hold briefly as its a bit of an unsettling read which I could do without on a nice relaxing Sunday afternoon!

[Almeta]

Read in January:

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini for YLTO! January Group Read alternate and In-a-Land-Far-Far-Away and Yearbook Challenges.
Almeta's Review of Mountains Echoed

Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey, for YLTO! January Challenge
Australia and In-a-Land-Far-Far-Away and Yearbook Challenges.
Almeta's Review of Jasper Jones

Aunt Dimity and the Lost Prince by Nancy
Atherton for the Yearbook challenge. I thought that this might be a candidate for the Febraury Russian read, but there is really very little Russian about it, just an artifact in a country British museum. Almeta's Review of Aunt Dimity and the Lost Prince

The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party(No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, #12)
Smith, Alexander McCall for the Chunkster and Yearbook challenges.
Almeta's Review of Big Tent Wedding Party

The Five by Robert R. McCammon for the Chunkster Challenge and Sai King Recommends and Yearbook Challenges. Almeta's Review of The Five

Zero Cool: A Novel by John Lange aka Michael Crichton for the Chunkster Challenge and In-a-Land-Far-Far-Away and Left Over Stew Challenges. Almeta's Review of Zero Cool

Bellman & Black: A Ghost Story by Diane Setterfield for the Chunkster Challenge and the Yearbook Challenge.
Almeta's Review of Bellman & Black

Evertaster by Adam Glendon Sidwell for the Chunkster Challenge and the Yearbook Challenge.
Almeta's Review of Evertaster

[Almeta]

Finishing Poirot's Early Cases: 18 Hercule Poirot Mysteries as a necessary cozy read on yet another snowy day.

In Detroit, 45.9 inches have fallen, more than the full season average of 42.7 inches, and there are at least two months left in winter.

The National Weather Service said as of Saturday morning, 31.1 inches of snow has fallen this January in metro Detroit — making it the snowiest January in history. That breaks the old record of 29.6 inches set back in 1978.

I’m snowed in. Nothing a little salt can’t handle. Especially around the rim of a Bloody Mary glass. ;)

[Theresa~OctoberLace]

Currently reading:
Within a Budding Grove by Marcel Proust for my Chunkster.
Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen for another challenge.

Will probably read this week to finish off January:
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
Candide by Voltaire
Friend of My Youth by Alice Munro

[Travis]

Janice wrote: "Travis of NNY wrote: "I enjoy the occasional western. It is something I compare with sitting in the shade on a hot day. A nice way to relax but not really intense or full of action. Usually just a ..."

I'll check it out

[Tejas Janet]

Almeta wrote: "In Detroit, 45.9 inches have fallen... I’m snowed in. Nothing a little salt can’t handle. Especially around the rim of a Bloody Mary glass. ;) "

:D Tee hee, good one!!

[Tejas Janet]

I've just started Madam Secretary: A Memoir by Madeleine Albright. It's a long one for the Chunkster Challenge. Just it and one much shorter book to go for completing Slicks Slugs. Now to sort out my reads for Mickey Mouse Marchers...

[Marnie]

That is a lot of snow Almeta! Must be crazy. My daughter goes to school in Minneapolis and they have cancelled school and work for tomorrow. I am in Hawaii right now so I keep sending my daughter pictures from the beach- she keeps sending me not too nice responses. Hahaha.

[Roz]

Oh my, you've been busy, Almeta! You must be REALLY snowed in ; )

[Esther]

@Marnie, that is just mean. It is too {#~{##||| cold here for snow.

@ Sarah. i have read Steelheart early january. Liked it.

[Nancy from NJ]

I finished Tatiana and Alexander and didn't enjoy that much more than The Bronze Horseman. Taking a bit of time out from Simons books (have the last book in the trilogy left, The Summer Garden and a single title, The Girl in Times Square) to finish listening to This is the Story of a Happy Marriage and to read Lost Lake by Sara Addison Allen.

[Esther]

I am still reading Red Seas Under Red Skies and started The Redbreast that is my "just in case" book.

I finished listening to Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, (not quite sure about this one yet )and started Night Film.

I had started listening to Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail but I think I am going to quit. I am gritting my teeth so much, i'll need a dentist. I am so not in the mood for this....

[Almeta]

Esther wrote: "I finished listening to Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, (not quite sure about this one yet )..."

I totally understand!☺

Almeta's Review of Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

[Marnie]

Esther- I had the same reaction to Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. I finished it but never warmed up to the author.

[[deleted user]]

I'm reading Taken by Erin Bowman. I got curious of its teaser and so I bought the book online. But too bad because the second book, Frozen will not be out until April 15th.

[Travis]

Reading Love and War. It's just an excellent series.

[Nancy from NJ]

I finished Ann Patchett's newest book, This is the Story of a Happy Marriage which really are a series of articles she published before in various magazines and can't wait to read it again.

Now I am almost halfway through Lost Lake by Sara Addison Allen and loving every page and began listening to Stella Bain by Anita Shreve.

[Cherie]

Almeta wrote: "Esther wrote: "I finished listening to Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, (not quite sure about this one yet )..."

I totally understand!☺

Almeta's Review of Lincoln: Vampire Hunter"

I thought the book was very interesting and a fun read. The movie was a hoot (the scene with the horses was amazing)! I kept looking up things too, Almeta.

[Cherie]

Marnie wrote: "Esther- I had the same reaction to Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. I finished it but never warmed up to the author."

I have heard a couple of others say they did not like this book - and all of them were listening to it, not reading it.

I thought the book was well done. I did not agree with all that she did, but what she took on and what she accomplished was awsome! Maybe my view is different because I have always been facinated with people hiking this trail and what it takes to do it. My ex-husband and I used to hike and backpack a lot (before children), but I could never imagine taking on the Pacific Crest Trail. That she did it alone, I could not even comprehend. Why she did it, was hard for me to accept, but people do strang things in the name of "grief".

[Cherie]

I finished listening to The Sun Also Rises and am currently reading The Club Dumas. I am more than half way through, and finally enjoying(?) it. I can't decide. Mostly, I am simply resigned to see what is going to happen next.

[Dem]

Just finished and really enjoyed Five Quarters of the Orange
This is my review;
www.goodreads.com/review/show/617637340

[Esther]

Cherie wrote: "Marnie wrote: "Esther- I had the same reaction to Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. I finished it but never warmed up to the author."

I have heard a couple of ot..."

I probably did not give the book enough of a chance, and maybe the audio makes a difference. But my mood is such that i fond her annoying. So i may give her another chances later on. But i doubt it.

[Esther]

Cherie wrote: "Almeta wrote: "Esther wrote: "I finished listening to Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, (not quite sure about this one yet )..."

I totally understand!☺

Almeta's Review of Lincoln: Vampire Hunter"
..."

I struggled with the 1st part, i could not "suspend my disbelief". I finally got into it when Abe started working. The part of his life I know a little about.

[Cherie]

Esther wrote: "I probably did not give the book enough of a chance, and maybe the audio makes a difference. But my mood is such that i fond her annoying. So i may give her another chances later on. But i doubt it..."

Esther,
Don't discount your feelings about her annoying you.

I was annoyed several times. I thought she did some Really Stupid, Dangerous things! The only thing I would have been interested in hearing from the audio, was the beginning. I was rolling on the floor laughing at her telling how heavy her pack was and how she managed the first days. It was pure dis-belief that made it so funny.

If you want to read something on the lighter side - and the other side of the country, try the Bill Bryson account of he and his friend hiking on the Appalachian Trail. It was toally different! It is A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail. What they did and what Cheryl Strayed did was not even close, but you will get some laughs from Bill's friend and their experiences.

[Cherie]

Esther wrote: "I struggled with the 1st part, I could not "suspend my disbelief". I finally got into it when Abe started working. The part of his life I know a little about..."

I thought the whole thing was beyond belief, but I thought it was well written and a fun read. There were actually parts that "seemed" that they could have been true. That is what I liked.
I think I might have added it in my review, but I was giving "equal time" to the vampires after reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombies to humor my daughter and Kat.

[Esther]

Cherie wrote: "Esther wrote: "I struggled with the 1st part, I could not "suspend my disbelief". I finally got into it when Abe started working. The part of his life I know a little about..."

I thought the whole..."

Oh it is beyond belief and that's the fun of this kind of novel.

I have to look for Pride...

It did remind me that i was suppose to borrow a Lincoln biography from a friend. My knowledge of US history is somewhat lacking.