What I read March 2014

[Alias Reader]

Share with us what you read in March

Please provide:
~ A GoodRead link
~ A few sentences telling us how you felt about the book.
~ How would you rate the book

[Alias Reader]

I am putting this and other threads up early as I will probably be offline for a while with my move.

As for my March reads, please don't throw any rotten tomatoes at me. I finished zero books. :(

[Amy]

Alias Reader wrote: "I am putting this and other threads up early as I will probably be offline for a while with my move.

As for my March reads, please don't throw any rotten tomatoes at me. I finished zero books. :("

Well, you're kinda busy right now, Alias! :)

[Madrano]

Alias Reader wrote: "As for my March reads, please don't throw any rotten tomatoes at me. I finished zero books. :( :("

I can't believe you are even bothering with us right now...other than venting, that is. Take care of your move & we'll be fine. If not, think of the delight you'll have in knowing how dreadfully we behaved while you were away. Who doesn't like to clean up those messes, she asked messily?

[Alias Reader]

:) Thanks for understanding, everyone.

I probably will go offline Saturday and wont be back until Monday or Tuesday. That is if all goes well with my cable company.

[Julia]

Hope everything goes well with your move, Alias.

[Haris]

On March I finished two books, because with my GF we make a "rule" to read two books on a month

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
McMafia by Misha Glenny
Its a good book, but when I am not studying this field, for me the book was overloaded, because I need it only basic information for crimes...I rated between 3-4 from 5

the second book is
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde
it was one of the best book that I ever read. And it wont be boring if I read it again and again.
I rate it with 5 stars

P.S Sorry for my English, because the English Language its not my native language and I have some problem on writing...

[Nancy from NJ]

Alias Reader wrote: ":) Thanks for understanding, everyone.

I probably will go offline Saturday and wont be back until Monday or Tuesday. That is if all goes well with my cable company."

Best wishes and just think in a few days you'll be in your enw place cuddling up with some good books.

[Amy]

Haris wrote: "On March I finished two books, because with my GF we make a "rule" to read two books on a month

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
McMafia by Misha Glenny
Its a good book, but wh..."

Thanks for sharing your reads, Haris! "McMafia" sounds interesting. And your English writing is very good for somebody who is not a native speaker. I can't speak or write any other languages besides English, so I'm the first to applaud others who can! :)

[Haris]

Amy wrote: "Thanks for sharing your reads, Haris! "McMafia" sounds interesting. And your English writing is very good for somebody who is not a native speaker. I can't speak or write any other languages besides English, so I'm the first to applaud others who can! :) "

Its very interesting books, because it opens your eyes to see different countries how are in corruptions and other stuff.... Here in my country English now its like the second Language, so it doesn't count as new language. If we apply for a job, the second question might be, do you know English?!

[Madrano]

Welcome to Book Nook Cafe, Haris. Your English is great. It's interesting that English is such a part of life where you live. One wishes the same could be true here but we probably couldn't decide on which language. Spanish?

ANYway, Dorian Gray is a good book. I've read it a couple of times & agree with you, it's one to reread. There are many facets to it and rereading uncovers more. I was unfamiliar with McMafia but thank you for the title & comment.

[Susan from MD]

Haris, you may want to look at the Dorian Gray thread under (I think) Group Reads. Several of us read the book and had an interesting discussion. Welcome!

[Amy]

Madrano wrote: "It's interesting that English is such a part of life where you live. One wishes the same could be true here but we probably couldn't decide on which language. Spanish? ..."

I think Spanish definitely overall for the U.S. as a whole, but with regional variations. In the town where I live -- a small, rural, middle-class community in southeastern Connecticut-- our school system is designated by the state as "bilingual": English and Chinese. Yes, Chinese! It sounds bizarre -- until you know that our town abuts two of the largest casinos in the U.S. We have a huge influx of Chinese immigrants who have come here to work in the casinos. And their kids enroll in the schools. And so we have classes in the elementary school that are taught in both languages. It's fascinating, I think!

[Amy]

Haris wrote: "Here in my country English now its like the second Language, so it doesn't count as new language. If we apply for a job, the second question might be, do you know English?! ..."

A few years ago we went on a Danube River cruise that started in Budapest and ended in Nuremburg. We were chatting with some of the ship's staff, and they said the same thing -- that it's very difficult to get a job in Europe if you don't speak English. (Particularly in the tourist industry, of course.) Every one on the boat spoke at least 3 languages -- sometimes 4 or 5. I am so envious. I wish there was more of a push in our country for creating multilingual speakers. So many kids just end up taking the two or three years of a language that is required to graduate high school. And then they promptly forget it.
Or they are short-sighted like I was -- I fulfilled my language requirement in school by taking years and years of Latin! If I had to do it over again, I would have taken Spanish or German.

[[deleted user]]

Hopefully I can squeeze one or two finished articles into my list - I have until Monday!

Hope it all goes well Alias - see you on the other side of your move! :)

[Haris]

Amy wrote: "A few years ago we went on a Danube River cruise that started in Budapest and ended in Nuremburg. We were chatting with some of the ship's staff, and they said the same thing -- that it's very difficult to get a job in Europe if you don't speak English. (Particularly in the tourist industry, of course.) Every one on the boat spoke at least 3 languages ..."

From 2012, here in Kosovo, the English language its obligation to learn for the first class, so when a kid its 6 years old he has to learn a new language. But elder people (who were born 1940-1980, the know at least 3 language, Albanian, Serbian-Croatian (which means they can visit all the Balkan without problem_, also the Turkish language....but from 2000 till 2008 the Spanish was super hit here because of the Spanish tv series, in school, college everywhere you could here Spanish, but now it is substituted with Turkish tv series LOL :)
I would like to know Italian and French, but unfortunately I never started to learn :(

P.S Madrano thank you for your hospitality

[Alias Reader]

JuliaO. wrote: "Hope everything goes well with your move, Alias."

Thanks, Julia and Soph. I appreciate all the well wishes. I need them !

[Alias Reader]

Haris wrote: "On March I finished two books, because with my GF we make a "rule" to read two books on a month..."

Haris your English is fine. I wish I could speak another language.

Book Nook Café has Group Reads and The Picture of Dorian Gray was our August 2013 read. We also watched the movie and discussed that, too.

The Folder is: Group Reads
Thread: The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Thank for sharing with us, Haris!

[Bobbie]

Alias Reader wrote: ":) Thanks for understanding, everyone.

I probably will go offline Saturday and wont be back until Monday or Tuesday. That is if all goes well with my cable company."

Hope all goes well. Moving is tough, especially after a lot of years. See you soon.

[Alias Reader]

Thanks Barbara !

[Madrano]

Haris wrote: "but from 2000 till 2008 the Spanish was super hit here because of the Spanish tv series, in school, college everywhere you could here Spanish, but now it is substituted with Turkish tv series LOL :)..."

Interesting how television can influence language. I hope the same thing would happen here with Spanish, as there are many Spanish only stations...at least here in Texas.

Amy, interesting about the Chinese population & language issue where you live. I think you are correct, various regions might have need to different languages. It seemed to me when we were in lower Louisiana that knowing French would have helped with both Cajun and Creole languages, restaurants & history.

We took a Danube River cruise several years ago & noted the same thing about the staff and language. Ours began in Prague, although we didn't actually get on the ship until Nuremberg (bus until then), then ended before Budapest, although the trip itself continued to that city. I cannot now recall where we met up with a bus again, though.

In the city of Prague & again in Budapest, fewer people (as you noted, outside the tourist arena) spoke English. We practically mimed to get stamps on our post cards in Hungary. Those cards never arrived in the US.

[Lesley]

All the best for your move, Alias.

[Portia]

Alias Reader wrote: "Haris wrote: "On March I finished two books, because with my GF we make a "rule" to read two books on a month..."

Haris you English is fine. I wish I could speak another language.

Book Nook Ca..."

Tee Hee! Your English may be excellent, Alias but your typing is one step above mine. August 2014 hasn't happened yet. [grin]

My poor typing skills combined with my Idiot Fone's autocorrect has made for embarrassing situations, for surely sure ;-)

[Alias Reader]

Lesley wrote: "All the best for your move, Alias."

Thank you !

[Alias Reader]

Portia wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "Haris wrote: "On March I
Tee Hee! Your English may be excellent, Alias but your typing is one step above mine. August 2014 hasn't happened yet. [grin]..."

My typing isn't the best. My proofreading is worse! However, as long as we can understand each other that's cool. There are no grammar or typing police here. :)

Lord knows what year I put on my checks ! lol

[Madrano]

LOL, re. checks. How true. I've had friends reply to my written mail, letting me know i erred on the year. Hey, i'm okay with that if they'll respond. :-)

I think the autocorrect is responsible for many, many typing errors. However, i don't have it on my desk computer, so can't blame that. Truth is, i rarely read what i've written. NOW you know!

[Connie]

Alias, I know you asked me not to read any more interesting books that you might want to put on your TBR pile, but I'm afraid that I did just that in March.

Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune- Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr. Absolutely fascinating true story of a very wealthy heiress who lived the kind of eccentric life one can only afford when one is a multimillionaire. I've heard this book referred to as "mansion porn" and if that's the case, then bring it on! A friend told me she felt that Huguette's life was sad, but I felt like she lived the kind of life and did the kind of things she wanted to do, even if they weren't the kind of things I would have chosen. While all of her potential heirs were trying to prove she had all kinds of psychological problems, it seemed clear to me that she suffered from anxiety and/or agoraphobia. But even with those restrictions, she did what she wanted to do. Loved it!

Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened - Allie Brosh. I don't exactly know how to describe this book except to say that I laughed harder while reading it than I've ever laughed at anything on a printed page. I'm not a dog lover (might even be a "dog disliker) but when she writes about her two dogs, I had to stop and put the book down so I could catch my breath from laughing. And the goose in her house! And the hot sauce! And the pine cones! She also writes about her psychological problems which are not funny but which resonated with me just as strongly as the rest of the book did.

Kitty Genovese: The Murder, the Bystanders, the Crime That Changed America - Kevin Cook. Kitty Genovese was the victim of a brutal murder that supposedly was witnessed by dozens of her neighbors, none of whom called the police to report what they were watching. This book sets that story straight. But more than just being about the murder, it's about the era - New York in the early 1960's, a time I find endlessly fascinating. It's about Kitty's life and her secrets. It's about how the story of all those "witnesses" developed. It's about how sociology classes are still teaching the Genovese story and how the phrase "bad Samaritan" came into being and how psychological experiments help explain what happened. In the same way that Columbine by Dave Cullen helped explain that tragedy and the difference between what we knew and what was true, this book helps explain Kitty Genovese's story.

Son of a Gun: A Memoir - Justin St. Germain. After his mother was murdered by her fifth husband, the author tries to learn/understand more about her, himself and the lives they lead that resulted in that final tragedy. The murder took place in Tombstone, Arizona where the family lived and there's a strong influence of the Old West in this story too. St. Germain is never quite able to learn the answers he seeks, but he does come to a better understanding of a mother he loved very much in spite of her failures.

The Language of Flowers - Vanessa Diffenbaugh. I would not have read this book except for the fact that my book group chose it and while I'm not sorry I read it, neither would I rush out to read Diffenbaugh's next book. This is the story of a young woman, raised in the foster care system who triumphs and fails and triumphs again, learning to overcome betrayals and find love and blah, blah, blah. A little too schmaltzy and contrived for me and all the parts about how people communicate by flowers and how the right flowers in your wedding bouquet can assure a happy marriage was too much for my cynical soul. This was my only fiction read in March and I enjoyed it a lot less than all my nonfiction reads.

[Alias Reader]

Connie wrote: Alias, I know you asked me not to read any more interesting books that you might want to put on your TBR pile, but I'm afraid that I did just that in March.

Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune- Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr. Absolutely fascinating true story of a very wealthy heiress who lived the kind of eccentric life one can only afford when one is a multimillionaire. I've heard this book referred to as "mansion porn" and if that's the case, then bring it on! A friend told me she felt that Huguette's life was sad, but I felt like she lived the kind of life and did the kind of things she wanted to do, even if they weren't the kind of things I would have chosen. While all of her potential heirs were trying to prove she had all kinds of psychological problems, it seemed clear to me that she suffered from anxiety and/or agoraphobia. But even with those restrictions, she did what she wanted to do. Loved it!."

---
Bad, Connie ! :)

Would you say that Empty Mansions was a bit like Gray Gardens ?

Hyperbole also sounds like it is my cup of tea. I love dogs, too. I see my library has 70 holds on the book. I guess I am out of the loop. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I am going to put a hold on it.

I see I now have 8 books on suspended hold at the library. So much for only reading the books I own. At least I am not buying it!
Kitty Genovese sounds fascinating. Also you said the magic words. Dave Cullen's Columbine. I thought that book was so interesting. I didn't agree with everything he said but the book sure made one think. I recommend it all the time. I also love sociology, so this would be my type of book.

I am going to dig out my TBR book even though it is packed and write these titles down.

As always, we seem to have similar tastes in books and I also love your reviews.

Thanks !

[[deleted user]]

I really want to read Empty Mansions so am glad to hear it is good! I'm patiently waiting for it to come out in paperback in the UK...

[Alias Reader]

Soph wrote: "I really want to read Empty Mansions so am glad to hear it is good! I'm patiently waiting for it to come out in paperback in the UK..."

When it does let me know, Soph. If it is a few months from now or even later, maybe we can fit in a Buddy Read.

[[deleted user]]

Ooh I just checked it and it's sooner than I thought - 22nd April. So I'm good to get it anytime after that! Whenever you've got the time to buddy read it Alias just let me know and I'll get a copy :)

[Alias Reader]

Soph wrote: "Ooh I just checked it and it's sooner than I thought - 22nd April. So I'm good to get it anytime after that! Whenever you've got the time to buddy read it Alias just let me know and I'll get a copy :)"

I don't want to hold you up.
I already have Cider House in April
and then our May/June group read of An American Tragedy

[[deleted user]]

No I certainly have enough to read in the meantime! It wasn't in any immediate plans, it's just nice to buddy read things if you know someone else wants to, no rush whatsoever :)

[Portia]

Alias Reader wrote: "Soph wrote: "I really want to read Empty Mansions so am glad to hear it is good! I'm patiently waiting for it to come out in paperback in the UK..."

When it does let me know, Soph. If it is a few..."

May I join you two?

[[deleted user]]

Always the more the merrier Portia!

[Lesley]

I also like the sound of Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune and my library has a copy so could I also join in?

[Madrano]

Empty Mansions sound intriguing. Thanks for sharing, Connie. The Kitty Genovese book sounds good, as well. I saw a documentary a few years ago which featured this, as well as two other psychological events. It asked good questions. Good month of reading!

[Julie]

My March books:

The Snow Child-4 stars
This book has a fairy tale type plot which wasn't my favorite but I loved the descriptions of the scenery and the way the author portrayed the characters' thoughts and feelings.

The Cider House Rules-5 stars
Group read here. I moved slowly through this book at first but then sped up later on. It is full of details, but great and thought provoking.

Audiobooks:

Gone Girl-3 stars
I ended up thinking the story was over the top crazy, but it was entertaining to listen to on the way home from work.

Room-4 stars
I loved listening to the voice of the 5 year old narrator (it was read by an adult with a kid voice). I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much if I read it.

[Alias Reader]

Julie wrote: I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much if I read it.
..."

---------------

I feel that way with some audiobooks, too, Julie. Sometimes the reader really brings the book to life in a way that my reading it would not have.

Two come to mind. I loved the author/narratorRichard Russo. There was something about his voice that I was very attracted to. I am sure his reading Elsewhere made the book for me.

Another one was Carry on, Jeeves--P.G. Wodehouse
It's a collection of short stories about a British chap and his butler Jeeves. Listening to the story read by someone with a British accent totally made the book for me.

[Madrano]

Julie wrote: "Gone Girl-3 stars
I ended up thinking the story was over the top crazy, but it was entertaining to listen to on the way home from work...."

I read this book this year, too. Elsewhere i mentioned that i'd read author Gillian Flynn's Dark Places and thought it was interesting. As i'd heard great things about this one, i waited months for it, via the library. It read quickly but overall, i found myself not loving it. I'll write more when i post my books, probably Tuesday, as i hope to finish one more before posting my March books, few as they are.

[Nancy from NJ]

Alias Reader wrote: "Julie wrote: I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much if I read it.
..."

---------------

I feel that way with some audiobooks, too, Julie. Sometimes the reader really brings the book to ..."

Another book where I loved the reader and the book was Room by Emma Donoghue. Sorry I don't remember the reader's name.

[Nancy from NJ]

I added my message before reading the other ones and now see that Julie also mentioned Room. I loved the voice of the little boy - thought this was really a child.

Funny but we have two friends whose children do voice overs for TV commercials and documentaries. I wonder if they have ever narrated a book.

[Julie]

The person who did the kid's voice was a woman. I didn't know that at the time because the book has about 4 narrators, but I did think that Jack sounded more like a little girl sometimes than a boy. That's kind of funny!

[Madrano]

I've not listened to a book with more than one reading. It must be interesting, almost like one of those old radio programs our parents listened to when commercial radio hit the waves. Neat.

[Meredith]

I read two books in March

Fruitful Bodiesby Morag Joss
Rating 3/5
This was a mystery set in Bath England. It was a good story.
Alex Cross, Runby James Patterson
3/5 Basic James Patterson. Story a little farfetched, but do love the core characters of Alex Cross and his family and friends. I neede a quick read and this fit the bill

[Nancy from NJ]

"3/5 Basic James Patterson. Story a little farfetched, but do love the core characters of Alex Cross and his family and friends. I neede a quick read and this fit the bill"

While I have pretty much given up on reading James Patterson any more, I do still read the book with Alex Cross. His last book certainly has me wondering what happened to his family.

[Nikki]

Before I jump in with the books I read I have to say I agree about some audio books almost being better than reading them yourself. I listened to every one of the Harry Potter books with my kids and the guy who narrated them (Jim Dale) was fantastic. He did all of the voices perfectly and they really came to life in a way I know wouldn't have been possible had I just read them.

I read three books this month:

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Rating 4/5
This story's main character reminded me quite a bit of Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory. The main character is trying to find a perfect mate using research techniques and survey questions. It is just a sweet love story with a great (yet predictable) ending.

Still Life by Louise Penny
Rating 4/5
I read this for my book club and I think I found a new mystery series I will have to continue with. It is not deep or complex, but it the characters are likable and realistic.

The Cider House Rules by John Irving
Rating 5/5
I just finished this one two days ago and then watched the movie yesterday. I am looking forward to jumping into the discussion!

[Susan from MD]

I read four books in March and really enjoyed all of them. All four were read as part of my Determination List challenge, so additional comments can be found in that thread,

The Secret History of Vladimir Nabokov - 4/5 stars. This was an interesting book that looked at how Vladimir Nabokov's life was woven into his books. Although I think it overstated the parallels between his life and the details in his books, it was an interesting presentation.

The Professor's House - 4.5/5 stars. This is a wonderful book about a professor who has finished his major academic work and dealing with his changing family life. His wife has moved to a new house, but he remains tied to his old (rented) house and specifically his old office. Lovely story.

David Copperfield - 4/5 stars. Terrific story about a little boy who grows into a man with the help of a wonderful cast of characters. It was a very entertaining story.

Frankenstein - 4.5/5 stars. A great book about an irresponsible experiment gone awry and the abandonment of one's creation. This book raises so many questions about ethical science, responsibility for one's actions, and the impact of violence and abandonment. Fascinating story that doesn't much resemble the horror movies of the same name.

[Madrano]

Meredith wrote: "I read two books in March
Fruitful Bodiesby Morag Joss
Rating 3/5
This was a mystery set in Bath England. It was a good story...."

Mysteries with musicians as the main character/detective can be quite interesting. I like the way the author incorporates music into the development of the story, even if only reminders as she muses on events. I would probably like them even better if i could play an instrument.

Meredith, have you read the first two books in the series? Thank you for sharing your reading list with us.

[Madrano]

Nikki wrote: " I listened to every one of the Harry Potter books with my kids and the guy who narrated them (Jim Dale) was fantastic...."

You make a good point, Nikki. I can see how that could be a fun activity with children, too. Good reminder. Thanks.

It looks as though your reading month was a good one--4 & 5 star books. How great is that? I think i mentioned elsewhere that i've read several in that Louise Perry series, too. The village, Three Pines, is too good to be true, which, i suppose, the murders prove!