Glens Falls (NY) Online Book Discussion Group discussion
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What are you reading or what books have you read or heard about? (Part TWELVE) Ongoing general thread.
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Nina
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Jun 27, 2016 08:39AM
Just saw a video of my great grandson playing a duet and his mom says he took lessons for years and he really sounded good so I guess some kids still take lessons and have a piano at home. I'm glad.
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Nina, comparing a book to its movie adaptation is a full-time job! LOL I used to enjoy doing that. It can be very interesting. I didn't like the movie adaptation of Nobody's Fool. See the explanation at my review of the book:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Do you ever try to "cast" the characters in a book, i.e., choose actors to play the parts? It can be fun but it's not easy to do.
I seem to do it a lot/casting my own people in the movies but now I have forgotten just which ones. If I think of them, I'll post them. I liked your review. Maybe I'll order the movie on Netfllix. I did read "Empire Falls," and liked it long ago though.
RE: Empire FallsHere's what I wrote in my review in 2009:
============================================
[It won the] Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (2002).
I had forgotten that I had read this book until I rented the movie on DVD. Then I remembered the plot. I can't be sure if I had actually finished reading the book. The ending didn't seem familiar to me. Of course it was a good story. I enjoy Richard Russo's writing.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
============================================
I don't remember anything about it now!
I just finished Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime by Val McDermid. I've never read one of her mysteries, but was quite impressed by this nonfiction book. I gave it a 5 star review here:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Jim. "American Pharoah," was reviewed in NYT as the best book ever on horse racing. It is by Joe Drape. Have you read it?
No, I haven't. I'll tell Marg about it, though. Thanks.
Jim wrote: "I just finished Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime by Val McDermid. I've never read one of her mysteries, but was quite impressed by..."Thanks for posting, Jim.
I've heard a lot of good things about Pride and Prejudice, so finally got around to listening to the audio book. Ugh. Occasionally there was a good turn of phrase (a few even made me chuckle) but it is so repetitive that I constantly wanted to skim. The people were possibly the most vapid, worthless, & meaningless bunch I have ever had the misfortune to hear described. I can see that many stories have their roots in this, so grudgingly gave it a 2 star review here:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The TV mini-series was much better than the movie. I have now forgotten which CEO mentioned in the NYT reading P and P launched him toward his new career. I do think we all go toward our reading of a book with our own aspirations and you did a good review of yours. I think it is totally amazing that her work has lasted these hundred of years. She was never more than thirty miles from home in her entire life so I suppose she wrote about what she knew.
Jim wrote: "I've heard a lot of good things about Pride and Prejudice, so finally got around to listening to the audio book. Ugh. Occasionally there was a good turn of phrase (a few even made me ch..."Jim, I know what you meant in your review. Times have changed so much since then. Not sure I'd even want to read it. There are so many other books I want to read. I'd probably enjoy the movie more because some of the actors are engaging.
The Magic and the Healing by Nick O'Donohoe was a really neat book about vet students working in a fantasy land on mythical creatures. I gave it a 4 star review here:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Thanks for posting, Jim.
"Researchers say nearly all books follow one of these six emotional arcs" an interesting idea, but what it leads to is even more interesting - computers writing stories. http://qz.com/726057/researchers-say-...
Several recent articles & my own experience have convinced me that there isn't much art in many fiction novels. Read a few novels by Paterson, Corben, Evanovitch, or Graphton & it's easy to see they follow a template. It's the only way they can churn out so many in such a short time. There's nothing wrong with it. I enjoy the Parker or Matt Helm novels which follow a similar path. That they're similar enough for a computer to write them seems a bit demeaning & disturbing, though.
Jim wrote: ""Researchers say nearly all books follow one of these six emotional arcs" an interesting idea, but what it leads to is even more interesting - computers writing stories. http://qz.com/726057/resea..."
That's interesting, Jim, but, as interesting as it is, I have the feeling that this is a case of over-analyzation . My feeling is that I'd rather simply enjoy the stories and forget about which "emotional bracket" a novel fits into.
My brain gets tired thinking about this type of thing. It's enough to figure out which genre a novel falls into with so many over-lapping categories, especially when it comes to Sci-Fi or Fantasy.
In addition, today my brain is exhausted from trying to figure out how many promotional credits I've earned from Amazon by choosing no-rush shipping. As far as I can see, Amazon sends me an email for each $1.00 promo credit I've earned but it does NOT have a page where I can see how many promo credits I have accumulated so far, so that I can make use of them.
I often wonder how people are able to keep track of so many details we deal with nowadays! It's mind-boggling!
Well, I'm off to pay some bills online. So I have to have a clear head. I can't spend time figuring out which of the 6 "emotional brackets" my books fit into!. LOL
I finished the fifth book in Anne Perry's World War I series.Rating the series as a whole, I am giving it four stars. Hoping to post a longer review soon---but I still tire quickly.
I know after reading the multitude of Holocaust background novels I am ready to read something entirely different/Sometimes, a Rosamund Pilcher that takes me nowhere sinister.
The Voyage of the Space Beagle by A.E. van Vogt is a true classic of SF. Originally published as short stories from the 30s & 40s, they were put together into a novel in 1950. Unlike so much of the Golden Age SF, this is very readable, can still evoke some real thought, & has the roots of Star Trek & the Alien movies in it. I gave it 4 stars in my review here:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mary JL wrote: "I finished the fifth book in Anne Perry's World War I series. Rating the series as a whole, I am giving it four stars. Hoping to post a longer review soon---but I still tire quickly."Mary JL, it's good to see you posting but don't try to do too much too soon. A short review is OK.
Nina wrote: "I know after reading the multitude of Holocaust background novels I am ready to read something entirely different/Sometimes, a Rosamund Pilcher that takes me nowhere sinister."Nina, I know what you mean. Sometimes we need some light reading to keep us going.
Jim wrote: "The Voyage of the Space Beagle by A.E. van Vogt is a true classic of SF. Originally published as short stories from the 30s & 40s, they were put together into a novel..."Thanks for posting this, Jim.
Just finished, "Emma," an update by Alexander McCall Smith. I had mixed feelings as I do like that author's writing but it just wasn't up to Jane Austin's to keep my interest. I found nice quotes but that made me think he put them in just to show off his knowledge. I did skip ahead somewhat in order to finish. Also, he had one of the heroine's getting organized to be marriage material when the time setting they were driving MG's. Didn't ring true to me.
Nina wrote: "Just finished, "Emma," an update by Alexander McCall Smith. I had mixed feelings as I do like that author's writing but it just wasn't up to Jane Austin's to keep my interest. I found nice quotes b..."Interesting comments, Nina. I remember watching the movie adaptation entitled "Emma" via a Netflix DVD (in 2010, according to my Netflix history). I gave it only 3 stars out of 5. It was OK. I thought it was rather silly.
http://dvd.netflix.com/Movie/Emma/474481
"This adaptation of Jane Austen's novel about misguided matchmaking takes a comic look at the romantic meddling of Emma Woodhouse. Emma spends her time arranging friends' romances, never noticing that her own true love is right beneath her nose."
Cast: Jeremy Northam, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor
Emma by Jane Austen
Emma by Alexander McCall Smith
Joy, tomorrow I am attending my book club's discussion of "Brooklyn," and I'll fill you in on their remarks.
Nina wrote: "Joy, tomorrow I am attending my book club's discussion of "Brooklyn," and I'll fill you in on their remarks."Nina, I hope they'll have something to say about the way it ended.
It should be a good meeting.
Joy, I had my friend read the last paragraph of "Brooklyn" and it was quite obvious that the main character, Elyse was staying in Brooklyn rather than going back to Ireland. And the two of us who saw the movie agreed totally that it was much better than the book. One of the ladies said she'd never believe the hype of the NYT etc. reviews that this was a great book.
Nina wrote: "Joy, I had my friend read the last paragraph of "Brooklyn" and it was quite obvious that the main character, Elyse was staying in Brooklyn rather than going back to Ireland. And the two of us who s..."Nina, thanks for that report! It gives me great satisfaction! I've included your comment (about the ending of the book) in my review at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
[It's in the "spoiler" section.]
The Dead Yard by Adrian McKinty was great as an audio book. The lilting Irish brogue of Gerard Doyle brings the wonderfully complex character of Michael Forsythe to life. Basically, he's a good lad, but he winds up in the worst situations & won't do anyone the courtesy of dying. I gave it 4 stars in my review here:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Jim wrote: "The Dead Yard by Adrian McKinty was great as an audio book. The lilting Irish brogue of Gerard Doyle brings the wonderfully complex character of Michael Forsythe to life..."Sounds like a good mystery/crime novel, Jim. Thanks for posting.
I'm reading Van Loon's Lives (pub 1942) by Hendrik Willem van Loon. In this book, the author has imaginary conversations with famous people. I never thought Erasmus would be an interesting person, but Van Loon manages to write an enjoyable and informative piece about him. Next, I am going to meet William of Orange and George Washington who are "visiting" together. This should be interesting. This chapter starts out with a bit too many historic details, but the writing scans so beautifully that you can't help but keep reading. The beginning of my review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...As I say in my review: "Someone at a FunTrivia message board mentioned this book. It sounded interesting. It reminds me of the theme of Kurt Vonnegut's God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian in which the author has imaginary conversations with famous people."
That looks really interesting, Joy. Long book, though. Almost 900 pages! Is it illustrated?
Jim wrote: "That looks really interesting, Joy. Long book, though. Almost 900 pages! Is it illustrated?"Yes, Jim, it's illustrated with many black and white sketches. The text gives you a very clear impression of the history of the period in question as well as interesting characterizations of the historic people. The writing makes you feel as if you are right there with the writer, "listening" to him tell the stories.
Too bad I couldn't find an audio version. It would be great!
I'll probably never finish it but it's one of those books you look forward to dipping into whenever you're in the mood.
Sounds interesting but too time consuming for me. Maybe sometime.
Nina wrote: "Sounds interesting but too time consuming for me. Maybe sometime."Nina, I know you'd appreciate the author's style of writing. In a way he's very droll.
Everything We Keep by Kerry LonsdaleI'm feeling lazy today. :) Rather than posting the details here, I've written my comments at my "review". See it here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I've decided not to continue reading the book.
PS-In my private notes to myself, I wrote: "PRIVATE NOTE TO SELF: The author relates uninteresting details, as if to make the book longer."
Ever since I bought my Amazon Kindle Fire Tablet, I've been trying to use it to read Kindle books. I'm a Prime Member of Amazon. Amazon has a program called "KINDLE FIRST for Prime Members. The program is described as follows: --------------------------------------------------------
"Each month, Prime members can download and keep one free book from our Kindle First selection of six pre-released picks."
---------------------------------------------------------
Naturally, the idea of getting the books FREE, appeals to me, since I'm experimenting with digital ebooks.
The first free "Kindle First" book I chose was the offer for the month of June: Journey's End by Renee Ryan. I'm enjoying it so far. It starts out at Ellis Island with two refugee girls coming into the country.
The second free "Kindle First" book I chose was the offer for July: Everything We Keep by Kerry Lonsdale. As I noted in a previous post, I wasn't impressed with the writing. So I decided not to continue reading it. (At the beginning of this book, a fiancé vanishes in a boating accident.)
The third free "Kindle First" book that I chose is: Interference by Amélie Antoine, a "prize-winning and bestselling author". It's the offer for the month of August. In this book, a young wife drowns. It's supposed to be a psychological thriller. I'm not sure this is a good choice for me.
I'm finding that I have to spend a lot of time making these choices. Amazon is always offering "deals" on ebooks. I have to get used to all these different kinds of "deals". There are quite a few different kinds of offers and it's a bit confusing keeping them straight.
PS-Speaking of the Amazon "deals", below are some of the newsletters (e-mail subscriptions) which Amazon sends, offering "deals":1. Kindle First - https://www.amazon.com/gp/gss/detail/...
2. Kindle Daily Deals - https://www.amazon.com/gp/gss/detail/...
3. Kindle Exclusives Mail - https://www.amazon.com/gp/gss/detail/...
4. Kindle Select 25 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/gss/detail/...
5. Amazon Kindle Delivers - https://www.amazon.com/gp/gss/detail/...
There are many more "email subscriptions" offered by Amazon. I often wonder how Amazon keeps up with them all!
You can see all the categories here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/gss/home
Eva wrote: "I just finished reading 
It's great. I highly recommend it."
Welcome to the group, Eva. Thanks for posting. I saw your review of Exotic Neurotic at: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
You said: "I received this book in exchange for an honest review."
How did they get in touch with you about the "exchange for an honest review"?
Jim, I just finished The Black Echo yesterday on my long flight from Amsterdam to Chicago. Great book! I'm going to keep reading that series. Does Eleanor show up in future books?
I just finished the 4th in the Detective Jackson series by L.J. Sellers, Passions of the Dead. This is the best of the series yet, but they do need to be read in order. I gave it 4 stars in my review here:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Jen wrote: "Jim, I just finished The Black Echo yesterday on my long flight from Amsterdam to Chicago. Great book! I'm going to keep reading that series. Does Eleanor show up in future books?"For reference: The Black Echo by Michael Connelly
Hi Jen. What place(s) in Amsterdam did you find most interesting?
Hi Joy! My husband is from the Netherlands, so we back to visit his family. As far as Amsterdam goes, the Anne Frank Huis was the big winner this year. My daughter loves Anne Frank, and I think that this was her third (maybe fourth) visit to the museum. She got so much out of it this time. My third grade son also loved it this time as well. This isn't in Amsterdam, but we did spend two days (a few hours each day) exploring WWII bunkers, which both the kids loved. They loved getting to be spelunkers, and they also had fun learning about WWII. Both things really brought it home for them and made aspects of the war interesting and tangible.
Jen wrote: "Hi Joy! My husband is from the Netherlands, so we back to visit his family. As far as Amsterdam goes, the Anne Frank Huis was the big winner this year. My daughter loves Anne Frank, and I think tha..."Wow, Jen, it sounds like a great experience for your children, and YOU too!
I googled and learned the following about the word "Huis" which was new to me:
"The Anne Frank House (Dutch: Anne Frank Huis) is a writer's house and biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Fr...
Thanks for telling us about this!
Jen wrote: "Jim, I just finished The Black Echo yesterday on my long flight from Amsterdam to Chicago. Great book! I'm going to keep reading that series. Does Eleanor show up in future books?"I don't think so, but it's been a while since I read that one.
There is hardly anything written that so moves one as that Diary. When my daughter was in high school they did the play and there was hardly a dry eye in the audience. There was also a book, I am sorry I don't remember the title, about Ann Frank's pen pal and the letters they wrote to one another. It seems to me her friend was living in Iowa or Nebraska.
Nina wrote: "There is hardly anything written that so moves one as that Diary. When my daughter was in high school they did the play and there was hardly a dry eye in the audience. There was also a book, I am s..."RE: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Nina, I don't think I could read that book. The background is so sad that I think I'd find the reading difficult for me to handle.
A short time ago, I came across a several pieces of paper which contained my handwriting. I had written it when I was a teen-ager and was smitten with my friend's older brother. The emotions were so raw and tender that I couldn't face keeping that memory for others to see. Now I'm sorry that I tore those pages up and threw them away.
Not that my circumstance was anything at all like that of Anne Frank but, still, the raw emotions of a teen-ager have the power to touch deeply. Some memories are too tender to face. And the years do nothing to soften the pangs.
I think I read the Diary when I was young and that was difficult enough but even more so now. I couldn't read it again. Some things are just not up to stirring my emotions back then or now. When I recently wrote my memoirs there were things I couldn't put into them. Nuff said, as the saying goes.
I just listened to The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. I've read it a couple of times before, but it's been many years - at least a couple of decades. I liked it better this time in part because I listened to it. I think Bradbury is meant to be read aloud. I gave it 4 stars in my review here:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Nina wrote: "I think I read the Diary when I was young and that was difficult enough but even more so now. I couldn't read it again. Some things are just not up to stirring my emotions back then or now. When I ..."I understand, Nina.
Jim wrote: "I just listened to The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. I've read it a couple of times before, but it's been many years - at least a couple of decades. I liked it bett..."I wish I could appreciate science fiction. Here's a link to a sample of the book. https://play.google.com/books/reader?...
Thanks for posting, Jim.
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