The Book Vipers discussion
General Archive Folder
>
What are you reading in 2014?
message 351:
by
Paul
(new)
Apr 07, 2014 01:57AM
Mod
reply
|
flag
Late to the chat here (in Kent with no WiFi and dodgy reception), but Anna Karenina is probably my favourite classic. I absolutely devoured it about 15 years ago. I am the same as Jo as I can find classics hard going but I adore this. Alas, I don't have time for a reread but will look forward to reading your thoughts.
Lisa wrote: "Late to the chat here (in Kent with no WiFi and dodgy reception), but Anna Karenina is probably my favourite classic. I absolutely devoured it about 15 years ago. I am the same as Jo as I can find ..."
So many people say similar, Lisa. I can't count the number of people recently who've told me that they find classic novels in general a chore but that they love AK.
I'm sort of the opposite in that I generally love the classics but find Tolstoy really hard.
Having said that, so far I'm really enjoying Anna. Maybe, this time I've cracked it :-)
So many people say similar, Lisa. I can't count the number of people recently who've told me that they find classic novels in general a chore but that they love AK.
I'm sort of the opposite in that I generally love the classics but find Tolstoy really hard.
Having said that, so far I'm really enjoying Anna. Maybe, this time I've cracked it :-)
Currently reading F. Scott Fitzgerald The Beautiful and Damned. It was slightly difficult to get into as a few characters are introduced at once and, as I started it on the tram in rush hour, I found them hard to keep track of. However, I'm up to speed, and so far I love this book!
Reading two: The Rise and Decline of Nations which a bit ponderous at first but is getting better, and, because of the discussions I read here, 1984; enjoying that quite a bit. Was going to read Lord of the Flies to participate in the discussion but must've done something wrong when I ordered it through goodreads as it never came.
Cathy wrote: "Joining in with the Anna Karenina readalong - just couldn't resist!"
Excellent :-) I've just finished Part 2 - there is too much household activity to get much reading done at the moment - and then I'll update the AK thread. I'm still pondering what I've read so far.
Excellent :-) I've just finished Part 2 - there is too much household activity to get much reading done at the moment - and then I'll update the AK thread. I'm still pondering what I've read so far.
I'm reading Goblin Moon by Teresa Edgerton. It's a fantasy adventure / mystery set in an alternate regency period. I'm enjoying it so far.
Reading Stargazing at the moment. A memoir of a student who works in the summer as a lighthouse keeper. Like it a lot so far
Jackie wrote: "Life! Death! Prizes! by Stephen May."
I've got that - had completely forgotten about it.
I've got that - had completely forgotten about it.
Current reading The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society. It is ok so far, but I am not that far into it. I have had a bit of a WWII themed week with two TV programmes and two Channel Islands books on WWII.
Emma wrote: "I'm reading Maddaddam by Margaret Atwood."
I have read the first in that series. Is it any good?
I have read the first in that series. Is it any good?
Jo wrote: "I am reading The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism, finally."Excellent book!! I used to work with children with Autism.
As you say Carol, it is a great book. It is the non fiction book of the month if you want to join in with the conversation.
Jessica wrote: "I am reading The Secret History for another book club. So far it's pretty good!"
Lucky you is all I can say!
Lucky you is all I can say!
I thought the Holmes stories were a blast.Started Inferno by Dan Brown on Friday....quick read so far...all becoming too formulaic. Think he needs to shake it all up with a new set of characters!
Hmmm Finished the Sherlock Holmes story, turns out it was very short. Was pretty good though.Gonna try a Jack Kerouac book now, Dharma Bums. Been recommended as a good place to start with Kerouac books.
Still on The Beautiful and Damned for me. The 2 main characters are quite irritating as people, but I do love the book!
Another Sherlock Holmes fan here, there are some fantastic tales and there are some free on Kindle, I think.
The Secret History is great, too
The Secret History is great, too
I am reading The Rosie Project at long last. Did really well with books on holiday, but since being back the kids have demanded so much energy, I've only stolen time for a few pages.
I'm going to start reading Capital by John Lanchester. Quite a long book so I hope it's going to be good!
Jackie wrote: "I'm going to start reading Capital by John Lanchester. Quite a long book so I hope it's going to be good!"
I have read his non fiction book Whoops!: Why Everyone Owes Everyone And No One Can Pay which was really good, and Capital has come recommended too. Hope that you enjoy it.
I have read his non fiction book Whoops!: Why Everyone Owes Everyone And No One Can Pay which was really good, and Capital has come recommended too. Hope that you enjoy it.
Currently steaming through Saxon's Bane. A mordern thriller but with complex layers of pagan ritual and archaeology. Very fast paced at times
I read it last year with another book group...I enjoyed it, some really interesting characters. Currently reading Blind Eye by Stuart MacBride, fifth book of the Aberdeen crime series....and LOVING it....we are not at home to mr *&^% up! LOVE DI Steel :D
Just started Prick Up Your Ears by John Lahr, it's the biography of Joe Orton. It's been sat on my bookshelf for at least three years so I am pleased I am finally making a start on it!
Jackie wrote: "I'm going to start reading Capital by John Lanchester. Quite a long book so I hope it's going to be good!"
You will rattle through it.
You will rattle through it.
Paul wrote: "Emma wrote: "I'm reading Maddaddam by Margaret Atwood."I have read the first in that series. Is it any good?"
I'm enjoying it so far. Although I've been told its the weaker of all three. But so far so good!
Hope so Jo. I don't mind long books as long as they keep my interest. Have you read A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth? I fancy reading it and that one is really long, just wondered what it's like, if you have.
Finished The Beautiful and Damned last night, and started Dodger by Terry Pratchett this morning. About ten pages in, love it so far. I do love Terry Pratchett :)
Started on Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children. Just past the first chapter and i'm excited for the rest.
Jackie wrote: "Hope so Jo. I don't mind long books as long as they keep my interest. Have you read A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth? I fancy reading it and that one is really long, just wondered what it's like, if..."Sorry for butting in, but couldn't resist saying do give A Suitable Boy a try. I read it quite a long time ago, but still remember what pleasure it gave me. It's a story about relationships, including a love story, set just after Indian independence. The characters and settings are so richly textured and convincing. I think I must read it again!
I'm a real Vikram Seth fan - also loved An Equal Music and The Golden Gate.
I read about a third of A Suitable Boy and couldn't get any further. I think I got a bit bored of all the politics, even though that was obviously going to be the backdrop considering the era. The love story side of it was lovely though. I guess I was just feeling overly romantic at the time of reading :)
As I remember, it alternates between the love story and the story of the politics of the time...nothing to say you couldn't skip parts I suppose ;) I fully intend to give it another shot one day!
There is a good discussion of A Suitable Boy on this blog.
http://dovegreyreader.typepad.com/dov...
One day I will read it. But probably not this year
http://dovegreyreader.typepad.com/dov...
One day I will read it. But probably not this year
Books mentioned in this topic
The Pure in Heart (other topics)I Am Pilgrim (other topics)
The Bookshop Book (other topics)
Principles of Angels (other topics)
Broken Homes (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Simon Toyne (other topics)Bradley L. Garrett (other topics)
Sarah Pinborough (other topics)
Ian McEwan (other topics)
Carlos Ruiz Zafón (other topics)
More...







