What Are You Currently Reading? Showing 251-300 of 1,966

[P.D.R.]

Ah ha! Polite email back from author. She knows! She apologises. She badly wanted a paper note for the fraud, but could not because of other date constraints, alter the date of the pound note episode. She says she did add an author's note mentioning liberties taken with some facts. She will try to mention the pound note specifically in the next issue.

Still don't like it but at least it is not sloppy research.

[P.D.R.]

Good sense because you know what unhappy readers do? They spread it around other readers!

I am writing back and we are having a pleasant chat. She came out to NZ and did research here for just a little bit of her book.

[Deborah]

Kathleen wrote: "Ella's Gran wrote: "Did they have red binding with gold leaf, Kathleen. They looked so magnificent all lined up on the bookshelf.
..."

Yes, that was them"

We also had a set of Neville Shute but I think I only read A Town Like Alice back then - I was 8 or 9 I think - I read it again several times over the years - most recently last year; it's one of my favourites. I think I tried one or two of the others and was probably put off at that age. He is on my this year's list of authors to catch up on.

As to what I'm currently reading - I just finished Fire in the East (3 stars) which I wouldn't recommend unless you enjoy delayed gratification. I had had high hopes in view of Sidebottom being a Classicist but he's maybe better at the day job. He may pick up as his series goes along; I will try another.

I also just read A Natural History of Dragons - me, that doesn't do fantasy! It was also given 3 stars. I won't proceed with that series.

I am right now about to embark on a sure book as I am re-reading The World According to Garp. Loved the book, loved the film....am sure to enjoy the re-read and I think I deserve it after the last 3 or 4 mediocre books.

Who am I to speak? I am not a published (or even, mainly, unpublished) author. I always feel bad to criticise - but I feel worse if I don't speak truly as I see it.

[Erica]

...and criticism can be constructive too. Maybe authors read about aspects of the writing that people didn't enjoy e.g. lack of character development etc and take that into consideration for their next work.

[P.D.R.]

We surely do. The rule is if three people make the same criticism then best get it sorted! Just ask my Beta readers if I listen to them. I'd be a fool not to.

My colleagues at Writer's Choice want our readers to enjoy and re-read our books so we listen, and we rewrite. My latest novel is right back at draft level because of the helpful criticism from my Beta readers. And they were correct, it will be a better book thanks to the comments from BLK readers and my colleagues.

[Darkpool]

Finally started The Martian. Only 2 months late for the bookpool challenge.

[Kirsten]

Ella's Gran wrote: "Angie wrote: "I've just started The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd. I loved her book, The Secret Life of Bees and her new book, The Invention of Wings, and I equally enjoyed P&P&Zombies (and I wasn't expecting to). I think it was because both books expanded up a book that I loved, and I was eager to delve more into the characters that I'd grown up with.

[Kirsten]

P.D.R. wrote: "Ah ha! Polite email back from author. She knows! She apologises. She badly wanted a paper note for the fraud, but could not because of other date constraints, alter the date of the pound note episo..."

My editor jumped on me pretty quickly when I'd inadvertently used the wrong coins! George V coins instead of Edward the something. I love him for that. It's just a pity the typesetters made a few errors before it went to print, and joined up a few words. Drives me mad.

[Kirsten]

Darkpool (protesting GR censorship) wrote: "Finally started The Martian. Only 2 months late for the bookpool challenge."

Loved the movie, but haven't read the book. My uncle, who is a physicist, said that the science in the movie was 99% correct, which is huge praise, for a movie based on a book, essentially about science. I will read it. The author has had an amazing journey to get to where he is now. Very inspiring. (and did you read that some Americans thought it was based on a true story...)

[P.D.R.]

I'm so glad your editor jumped, Kirsten. It really annoys readers when someone writes about their country and gets it wrong. It is discourteous!

I'm on tenter hooks re this new novel because I have to write about India and am not visiting the country until December. The book is due out before then.

Am reading mid-series books of two popular whodunits- Icarus by Deon Myer - a S.African series and The Ghost Fields by Elly Griffiths UK writer.

Did chuckle about the Americans and the Martian! Do you remember the Americans who one starred an Aussie writer because she had winter in June?

[P.D.R.]

Just finishing the Foreigner series again. As a writer I learn so much from Cherryh's skills. As a reader I really enjoy the ideas which I have to think about.

Caught some of the reviews for some of the novels in the series and really don't reviews reveal so much about the reviewer and hir intelligence or lack thereof? For some reviewers if there weren't blood thirsty chases and attacks the book was boring!

[P.D.R.]

Well, at last I've found a new novel to rave about. I've read so much that plots become predictable and I retreat to old favourites.

But here is an historical novel with a clerk for the hero, in Victorian London at the time of the Fenian (Irish) bombings. There are three POVs from three very different characters, the clerk, the stroppy young female student and a Japanese dilettante. Then there's the mysterious clock maker. So far it's a charmer!
The Watchmaker of Filigree Street

[Lesley]

P.D.R. wrote: "Well, at last I've found a new novel to rave about. I've read so much that plots become predictable and I retreat to old favourites.

But here is an historical novel with a clerk for the hero, in V..."

It's on my wish list!

[Kirsten]

Ella's Gran wrote: "P.D.R. wrote: "Well, at last I've found a new novel to rave about. I've read so much that plots become predictable and I retreat to old favourites.

But here is an historical novel with a clerk for..."

P.D.R. wrote: "Just finishing the Foreigner series again. As a writer I learn so much from Cherryh's skills. As a reader I really enjoy the ideas which I have to think about.

Caught some of the reviews for some ..."

It sounds awesome. Adding it to my TBR list.

[P.D.R.]

Have to say I'm frustrated now, I can see where the bloomin' publishers have intervened and said 'Do this and Do that because it's commercial and will make your novel sell!!!! ARGH.

We end up with a sort of fantasy thingie with a tailed off ending which implies more books to come. I am so disappointed!!!!!

[P.D.R.]

Am now reading Peter Mayle's 'The Diamond Caper' for light relief a laugh and relief after being so disappointed.

[Kirsten]

Kathleen wrote: "P.D.R. wrote: "Well, at last I've found a new novel to rave about. I've read so much that plots become predictable and I retreat to old favourites.

But here is an historical novel with a clerk for..."

Noooo. I'm just about to start it!!!!

[P.D.R.]

You might enjoy it, Kirsten. My librarians tell me it is in the category of magic realism which you might know more about than I do and actually enjoy!

I just wanted something less silly!!!

[P.D.R.]

Found one of the Shetland mysteries I haven't read. Raven Black

I like the setting of course, which is a major character, but the plots are always tight and Cleeves is a good writer.

[P.D.R.]

Just found Judith Flanders whodunit in the library.

A Bed of Scorpions

Promising so far.

[Erica]

I've got two books on the go as one is too big to carry around with me.

- A Little Life
- Dubliners

I'm enjoying them both so far.

[P.D.R.]

Loved the Dubliners when I read it years ago but can't face 'a little Life' as I'm fed up of this type of plot. Might give it a go when I've recovered a little human kindness.

[Erica]

Curious to know what you mean by "type of plot". It's not a book I probably would have usually picked up after reading the blurb but I've succumbed to the hype haha. It's reminded me how much I enjoy longer books as you really get to know the characters more.

[Erica]

Big book but it's a fairly quick read so won't take me more than a few weeks.

[P.D.R.]

blurb
An epic about love and friendship in the twenty-first century that goes into some of the darkest, most ultra-Dickensian places fiction has ever traveled and yet somehow improbably breaks through into the light.

It's the darkest etc that puts me off. I am fed up of books which are 'dark etc,'

[Erica]

Fair enough. Yeah I guess the content is dark...I'd describe it as really sad. But tone and writing isn't dark. Could see it wouldn't be for everyone tho.

[P.D.R.]

I am fed up of this 'deep dark underbelly' rubbish. It is nothing new, special, or anything other than human nature. And I hate it all talked up as special insight by a writer or used as an excuse to write grubby stuff for the sake of it!

[Erica]

Just started the YA historical fiction novel - Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys this morning. Really fast-paced read already. I've heard great things about it so looking forward to getting more time to read!!

[P.D.R.]

The Marble Collector
not sure about this as it's a bit brutal.

Also the bathroom book is now 'The Shadows in the Street which I am quite enjoying.

[Anna]

Throne Of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. YA Fantasy Novel.
I personally really like it.
Its about Caeleana Sardothian, also known as one of the best assassins around (Ardalans Assassin) and she is picked to compete in a competition to become the Kings champion. She despises the king but it is the only chance to win her freedom. Apart from being in a deadly competition, she also has to figure out who is killing off her competitors, what these weird symbols mean and (of course) her feelings towards the Prince.
It has a medley of action, mystery, fantasy and romance and is well paced.

[P.D.R.]

Making myself read 'Marston Moor'. It's been glaring at me from the new books shelf in the library.

Marston Moor

I hate battle books but am told that Royalist Stryker is worth reading for the standard of writing. I just sigh that it is nearly always the stupid Royalists that get books written about them, when they were in fact a nasty rabble of privileged bastards whose behaviour lost them the war. As for that idiot King Charles!!!! Sigh! If he had had one ounce of Elizabeth's Tudor blood he would have managed the whole situation without a war against his own people!

[Erica]

I'm still slogging my though A Little Life. While I like the writing and getting to know the characters it is depressing and draining to read. I'm hoping to finish it tonight and them will start on a light-hearted Bill Bryson or Dawn French's book Dear Fatty.

[Darkpool]

I'm in the middle of Wizard's Guide to Wellington, and enjoying it very much. I'll be passing it on to my great nephew when I'm done.

[P.D.R.]

Is it really the Wizard's guide?

[Darkpool]

Not that Wizard!
More like A Wizard's Guide than The Wizard's Guide. ;-)

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

In spite of my resolution to read more NZ writing, this is the first NZ writing I've started this year. :( by Peter Graham.

[Erica]

You're doing better than me Carol...I don't think I've read any kiwi books yet this year. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on that one :)

[P.D.R.]

I've managed three! And two because I am copyediting them!!!!

[Kirsten]

Rereading Under the Tuscan Sun because we're off to Italy at the end of the year for Christmas, and I recall this book was very evocative of Italy. The movie was appalling, and nothing like the book. I'm loving it. It's light and airy. There's no dark underbelly, or abuse, or abject poverty. Just what I need!

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Kirsten wrote: "Rereading Under the Tuscan Sun because we're off to Italy at the end of the year for Christmas, and I recall this book was very evocative of Italy. The movie was appalling, and nothing..."

Italy! How I envy you! Other than NZ my favourite country in the world!

I've just read So Brilliantly Clever: Parker, Hulme and the Murder that Shocked the World & do strongly recommend it. I'm actually quite baffled by it's relatively low rating on GR. I couldn't give it 5* because of all the typos but the American reviews (with different publishers) I've read don't mention that. Maybe it is the subject matter because it was seriously chilling.

[P.D.R.]

Tuscany? Can I come in your suitcase?

Been packing up and repacking boxes of books. Found my collection of Star Trek novels. The original Star Trek of course. Been having fun rereading the good ones and some of them were very good: The Wounded Sky, My Enemy My Ally, Ishmael were favourites. I'm searching for one whose title I cannot remember but it is not there!!! Sigh!

[P.D.R.]

Found out that it's 'Uhura's Song' which is a favourite. Anyone spot a cheap copy any where I will happy buy it.

[P.D.R.]

'Uhura's Song' bought!

Just started The Novel in the Viola the last Natasha Solomons I can get my hands on. Really looking forward to it as tonight's reading.

[Lesley]

I've just picked up The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend so this will be my weekend reading I believe.
I'm almost finished Burial Rites

[Erica]

I've got two great books on the go, one fiction and one non-fiction:

A Thousand Splendid Suns

First Bite

[Lesley]

I've had A Thousand Splendid Suns on my list forever. I did get it from the library a good while ago, but it had a string of holds on it and a number of my reserves came in all at once too. So, I had to return it unfinished. I must get it out again.

[P.D.R.]

About to do my annual re-read of 'Persuasion'. My favourite Austen novel. And if I hear anyone else say she's a writer of romance I will shoot them! Social commentary, yes, romance, no!

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

I love Austen - my favourite classics writer.

I don't usually comment on my reads here unless they are NZ books but...

this is about my 3rd reread of I Claudius which has always been 5* for me in the past, but I'm just not enjoying it this time. Maybe some books shouldn't be reread?

[Sharlene]

Currently reading Revenants: The Odyssey Home which I got for review.

I recently finished the A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 4 series. It was great! I wonder if they will do the rest of the series? Probably not. The first book took a few years.

[P.D.R.]

I Claudius is a marvel. Carol, try reading it when you've got a quiet time. Not a book to read with distractions going on.