Book Nook Cafe discussion
What did you read last month?
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What I read in June- 2014
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Alias Reader wrote: "Thanks for sharing your reads with us, Soph.
I've never heard of the Adrian Mole series. Is this a YA book?
I'll keep it mind when I am looking for a fun easy read between other reads. Tha..."
It's hard to say about the Adrian Mole series. The ones where he is a teenager are definitely classed as YA now, they are quite short and easy to read and of course it is all about Adrian's life and teenage angst. But the next one is when he is in his twenties and upwards until the final one where he is in his forties and has to deal with elderly parents, cancer, marriage, kids and getting older. So I don't think there would be much relevance to teens reading those ones.
Perhaps it's because back when the first books were written 'YA' wasn't such a big thing. Or it could be an anomaly - following the character through all his life from his point of view. It is one of the things I love about the series so maybe that's partly because it is such a singular thing.
The best one of the series I think is Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction, which covers the Iraq war and how easy it was to amass debt around that time, pre-recession. Some of what happens in that book brought me to tears and was quite beautiful, in a strange quiet way.
I've never heard of the Adrian Mole series. Is this a YA book?
I'll keep it mind when I am looking for a fun easy read between other reads. Tha..."
It's hard to say about the Adrian Mole series. The ones where he is a teenager are definitely classed as YA now, they are quite short and easy to read and of course it is all about Adrian's life and teenage angst. But the next one is when he is in his twenties and upwards until the final one where he is in his forties and has to deal with elderly parents, cancer, marriage, kids and getting older. So I don't think there would be much relevance to teens reading those ones.
Perhaps it's because back when the first books were written 'YA' wasn't such a big thing. Or it could be an anomaly - following the character through all his life from his point of view. It is one of the things I love about the series so maybe that's partly because it is such a singular thing.
The best one of the series I think is Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction, which covers the Iraq war and how easy it was to amass debt around that time, pre-recession. Some of what happens in that book brought me to tears and was quite beautiful, in a strange quiet way.
Soph wrote: The best one of the series I think is Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction, which covers the Iraq war and how easy it was to amass debt around that time, pre-recession. Some of what happens in that book brought me to tears and was quite beautiful, in a strange quiet way. .."
Thanks for the info. I'll definitely put it in my TBR notebook. Which I just noticed is almost full ! It's a simple 150 sheet 9X6 notebook. I can't believe it's full. I have to remember to pick up a new one. I'll have to live to 456 years old to read all these books !
I also see I only have about 10 pages left in my hard cover journal for quotes and stuff. I'll have to get a new one next time I am at B&N.
I don't know quite how express this but I simply love how you interact with the books you read, Soph. We are so lucky to have you as a part of this group.
Alias Reader, you don't know what you have missed with Adrian Mole. Almost an alternative bible for a 13-14 yr old male. Great fun for the rest of us, and with a depth of comment that is subtle. You need to appreciate British irony.
Welcome to Book Nook Café, Rosalind ! Thanks for joining our group and posting. We are always looking for active posters.I like, no make that love, the humor of British shows like Doc Martin. So I will see if my library has the first in the series and give it a go.
Connie wrote: "June Reads....All the Light We Cannot See - Anthony Doerr. A young blind girl living in France during World War II and a young German boy selected by the Nazis because of his knowledge of electronics, are the main characters in this book. The tale is told in alternating story lines and there is the sense that their paths will cross some day, unlikely as it seems. There was wonderful writing here and vivid characters and my only tiny complaint about the book was that perhaps it was a little bit too long. ..."Thanks for these comments, Connie. I read his The Shell Collector, a collection of his short stories several years ago. (It was recommended by Jzz, whom i miss on these boards, as he had some neat book recs.). Later this month Doerr will be signing books at Powell's & I was debating whether I wanted to go since I wasn't sure the book sounded good. As i respect your reviews, I will go. Again, thanks.
Soph wrote: 'I'm not really all that interested in stuff about Cuba and JFK as I feel it is played out and because I know that Castro is still in power and they never invaded Cuba in the late 50s, all the supposed tension in the story was drained out of it ..."It seems some male authors are really fascinated with this event. Like you, Soph, i miss the fascination because we know the outcome. Perhaps it's more about the possibilities?
Amy wrote: "My reads for June:Worst book I read:
Sophie's Choice by William Styron: 2 stars
Ugh! I expected this book to be so much better than it was, considering that so many people rave about it. (Full disclosure: I have not seen the movie, either.)..."
Having seen the film, i had no desire to read the book. It didn't grab mt attention. The idea of it, the choice, draws one in, which could account for it's success. And, of course, it's an awful thing to contemplate.
Last month i mentioned i began books in the "Automobile Girls" series, written & set in the first decade of the last century. I am intrigued by the effort to portray young women learning about character, as they also express their individuality in a changing world. To continue:The Automobile Girls Along the Hudson; or, Fighting Fire in Sleepy Hollow by Laura Dent Crane. Here the teens fight a fire which threatens the old home they are visiting. Of course, they also visit
The Automobile Girls at Chicago; or, Winning Out Against Heavy Odds. In this one the three east coast girls visit their wealthy 4th, the one who does all their driving. They learn about futures and wealth issues, as well.
The Automobile Girls at Palm Beach; or, Proving Their Mettle Under Southern Skies. The two books from last month (set in Berkshires and Newport) were as much about social events of the elite as about the travels) join with this one to share thoughts about gold diggers and others out to make money from the wealthy, including marrying into it. This one included titled foreigners.
The Automobile Girls At Washington; or, Checkmating the Plots of Foreign Spies. This go 'round they barely use an auto & the old maiden aunt isn't resent. For the first time one of the girls gets into trouble, debt, but fortuitous timing allows her sister to save the situation. By the end of the book SPOILER! the driver's father and the sisters mother announce their engagement, so that 3 of the 4 will be together in Chicago. Hurrah!
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick. I thought the book depicted the long Wisconsin winter in the early 1900s well. Parts were too predictable and the descriptions too long, however overall i still liked it. The best part was in the author's afterword, when readers earn the genesis for the book was a book of photos taken in Wisconsin around the time of the novel's setting. Wisconsin Death Trip by Michael Lesy
Three by Finney by Jack Finney is a collection of 3 short novels. I have like earlier books by him & these are no exceptions. Woodrow Wilson Dime has a bit of time travel, via a dime. Marion's Wall is about a long-dead woman who enters another woman's body in order to have a film career her death cut short. It is the basis for Maxie, which starred Glenn Close & Mandy Pantikin. The third, The Night People, dragged some but the ending was worth it. In a surprising turn of events this one had no science fiction concept to it. All 3 stories feature men between 29 & 39, who are wondering if what they have is what life is.
How to Read Greek Vases by Joan R. Mertens , curator of such for The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, was disappointing. Perhaps it's that i waited 4 years to find it? Regardless, while i learned quite a bit, she presumed the reader knew plenty already. Since i don't, i found the material lacking. Great photos of the Met pieces, though.
Passing by Nella Larsen was written and set in the 1920s. Two light-skinned African American women are married but one is passing as Caucasian. The story develops nicely and is well told. Issues were tackled in instructive exchanges between characters. It's sad that Larsen had only one other novel published.
Building the Columbia River Highway: They Said It Couldn't Be Done by Peg Willis. This gorgeous highway has pleased our family since we first traveled it in 1990. Willis just published the book last month & we saw her speak at Powell's bookstore.
The writing was straight forward but could have used some umph but I felt i better knew about road building by the end. Did you know that road building was taught in grade schools in the early 1900s? The author likened it to computers today--it was felt students needed to learn about this as the nation grew.
Nice reading month deb. I enjoy reading your reviews as you usually have books off the beaten track.For anyone interested. The "automobile Girl" books are free for the Kindle.
I so enjoy this thread and have found some good books for the TBR list. This month not so much but we have to expect some strike outs! A little surprised at the folks not enjoying Sophie's Choice, although any awfulness regarding World War II is always hard to describe as "enjoyable". It has been many years since I read that book but I can remember that it was the relationships in the book that were the focus not the individuals. But I won't start an argument over it, that's for sure. I had my own issues with 1 of my reads this month.
I only got through 2 books. 1 good and 1 not so good. I really enjoyed The Midnight Rose. It had a lot going for it and I have found a type of book that I feel comfortable seeking out. This is the story within the story format where half the action is in the past and the rest is in contemporary times. This author strikes a good chord most of the time also although certain themes grate on the nerves. But I gave this a solid 4 stars.
The next book that I finished was from an old favorite author, Nora Roberts. I read Whiskey Beach and had a great time with Nora. I don't read everything that she writes these days but I remember when I did. So many good books from her that I enjoyed. This was a very good book with a mystery thrown in. 4 stars if you like this type of book, which I do once in a while.
And I forgot that the book I had issues with was just finished last night, July 3rd but since I mentioned the problem, I'll include it here. I found The Uninvited Guests as a recommendation somewhere on GoodReads and I'll not point fingers anywhere because that's not fair. But I was very disappointed with the supernatural turn the book taking. It was a fast read and I couldn't finish it fast enough! Not a recommend from me but the setting was interesting but the middle part of the book was icky and the ending tied up too neatly. Not for me!
Lori, the premise of Uninvited Guests sounds good so it's unfortunate the promise didn't hold.Alias, good point about the Auto girls being available on Kindle. I didn't think of sharing that. I downloaded from Project Gutenburg. They had the original art for all but the final book.
The Small Boat of Great Sorrows by Dan Fesperman ★ ★ ★ ★I bought this book at a reduced prize to find out it is a sequel. Luckily it turned out to be a stand-alone story. You don’t need to read the first book ‘Lie in the dark’ in order to understand more about Vlado Petric’s past.
When the reader meets Vlado, a former Bosnian homicide detective in ‘Small boat of great sorrows’ in Berlin, we learn his is in exile and now working at construction site. Luckily for us, he is approached and recruited by Calvin Pine, an American investigator for the International War Crimes Tribunal.
The International War Crimes Tribunal wants Vlado to return home to Sarajevo on a mission. Back in Sarajevo, Vlado undergoes a series of shocks and on top of this he learns things about his family he was never aware of. Lies, secrets and danger will take Vlado through Bosnia and Herzegovina to Italy.
Much of the story is based on Vlado’s thoughts and actions – this is balanced perfectly by the character of and the interaction with Calvin Pine, who accompanies Vlado in his quest to find out the truth. The truth however is as always not black and white and the intrigues aren’t always so easy to follow. I probably had better made notes. Nevertheless I found ‘The small boat of great sorrows’ a good thriller with a decent story line and character development. And a nice break of the more heavily themed books I read recently. ‘Small boat of great sorrows’ is an intelligent thriller and Dan Fesperman is a new author to add to my list.
The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry narrated by Stephen Hogan ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Last year I took this book out in the library, to return it almost unread. I had only read a few chapters and didn’t seem to be able to make my mind up if this was a book for me. What struck me though was Sebastian Barry’s poetic use of language.
Any way, I decided on downloading the audio book version of ‘The secret scripture’ a month ago. And just like with ‘Angela’s ashes’ by Frank McCourt, ‘The secret scripture’ worked well for me in English. An extra bonus is of course the Irish brogue brought alive by narrator Stephen Hogan. Stephen Hogan does a grant job in bringing the characters alive, especially Roseanne.
Roseanne McNulty, the main character, is one-hundred-years-old and she resides in Roscommon Regional Mental Hospital for almost fifty years or more. At the beginning of the story Roseanne decides on writing a testimony of her life. She knows that her account isn’t always a reliable one as she, just like everyone else, hasn’t the monopoly on truth. The gaps in Roseanne’s story are filled in by Dr. Grene, the chief psychiatrist of the hospital. As the hospital faces demolition Dr. Grene has to decide who of his patients are to be released and who needs to be transferred. Roseanne is of particular interest to Dr. Grene, and as he researches her case he discovers many secrets.
Barry's poetic and dramatic language works very well and it just adds to the atmosphere of this fine novel. Roseanne’s memories are therefore like old leaves. She remembers that place where she was born as a cold town. “Even the mountains stood away. They were not sure, no more than me, of that dark spot, those same mountains. There was a black river that flowed through the town, and if it had no grace for mortal beings, it did for swans, and many swans resorted there, and even rode the river like some kind of plunging animal, in floods“.
At times 'The secret scripture' is overwhelming and shocking but Barry knows to keep a fine balance. The story nor the prose never feel overdone. The end is maybe a bit too polished and the book maybe just adds to some of the stereotypes, but these are just minor flaws.
Elizabeth Is Missing by Emma Healey narrated by Anna Bentinck ★ ★ ★
Nowadays we seem to get more and more books with an elderly protagonist. The protagonist is this book is Maud, who is in her eighties. Maud is suffering from dementia and as reader we are confronted with her lacks of memory and her very clear moments in which she recalls the missing of her sister Sukey after the Second World War. The memories of the disappearing of her sister are intertwined with the present disappearing of her good friend Elizabeth.
I have a bit mixed feelings about this book. I liked the originality of the story and Maud’s slowly mental deterioration. It also annoyed me at times though. Especially in the beginning of the story when you realize as reader that everyone seems to know what has happened to Elizabeth but no one seems to bother to put Maud’s mind at rest. The character of Helen, Maud’s daughter also annoyed me at times. And I found the unravelling of the mystery of Sukey’s disappearing something that belonged more in a humorous book. I suppose some will see this as a humorous book – and there are funny situations – but I found this a rather distressing book.
Nevertheless overall I liked it enough; enough to keep an eye out for other novels by this author.
Just like Stephen Hogan (see review The Secret Scripture), Anna Bentinck was a new narrator for me. I especially liked how Anna Bentinck knew how to be a young girl one time and an elderly person the next. It sure added to the story.
Soph wrote: "The month started off slow, but I sped up towards the end and did quite well - although there were some re-reads in there, just to keep me going whilst I stressed out about packing and tickets and ..."I read Call for the Dead earlier this year and also liked it a lot. If I remember well I also gave it four stars. I liked the plot - it was rather a classic plot, but good nevertheless. I came by this book when I read The Spy Who Came In from the Cold last year.
I like your review, Soph.
Danielle wrote: "Nowadays we seem to get more and more books with an elderly protagonist. The protagonist is this book is Maud, who is in her eighties. Maud is suffering from dementia ..."First of all, Danielle, it sounds as though you had a good reading month. Your reviews/comments lead me to want to try the first you mentioned. Thanks.
As for your quote above, i've noticed this, too. My initial thought was that aging gray cells, dementia and senility allow authors some tantalizing options. If well written, it draws me into the story.
My next thought is to question whether this is a new ploy as Baby Boomers age? Do they really want to read about 20 year old people, publishers may be asking? For readers such as on this board, we'll read it all! However maybe publishers are hoping to open their pages to new older readers, if you know what i mean.
I know the travel industry is gearing up for BB retirees, so why not the entertainment industry, such as publishing? Just a thought.
Lori wrote: "The next book that I finished was from an old favorite author, Nora Roberts. I read Whiskey Beach and had a great time with Nora. I don't read everything that she writes these days but I remember when I did. So many good books from her that I enjoyed. This was a very good book with a mystery thrown in. 4 stars if you like this type of book, which I do once in a while...."My sister reads all of Nora Roberts books. :)
Thanks for sharing with the group, Lori. I agree with you, I enjoy this thread a lot each month. The more than join in the better!
Danielle wrote: "Elizabeth Is Missing by Emma Healey narrated by Anna Bentinck ★ ★ ★
Just like Stephen Hogan (see review The Secret Scripture), Anna Bentinck was a new narrator for me. I especially liked how Anna Bentinck knew how to be a young girl one time and an elderly person the next. It sure added to the story.
..."
Your post reminds me I need to get back into listening to my audio books when I exercise. I really enjoyed it.
The narrator really can make or break a book for me. Sometimes I know I enjoyed the audio more than I would have a paper book if I really like the narrator.
Thanks for sharing your reads with us.
Danielle wrote: "The Small Boat of Great Sorrows by Dan Fesperman ★ ★ ★ ★I really like that title. I think I might have given The Secret Scripture 4 stars.
A mixed bag for me in June.Mateship With Birds In 50s rural Victoria, a dairy farmer is keen on his neighbour whilst instructing her son on birds and 'birds' (women). Very of-the-time Australia, but that's about all. 2 stars.
1984 Londoner Winston Smith struggles against big brother, but loses out in the end. A bit repetitive but I'm pleased to have eventually read this cult classic. I think it may have been on the reading at school but don't remember reading it all. 3 stars.
1788: The Brutal Truth of the First Fleet NF, audio. An engrossing account of the preparation, voyage and arrival on British colonisers/first fleet into Botany Bay, New South Wales. A good amount of trivia thrown in to make it not such a heavy read. I thought by the end it would make a good text book on the subject. 4 stars.
Indignation audio. Marcus goes to college in Ohio (?) to escape his over protective father back in New Jersey, but ends up drafted and killed in the Korean War, which was his father's greatest fear. A bit long-winded but captivating. 3 stars.
The Color Purple Celie grows up in the 50s south. A difficult read due to subject but I found it hard too with the dialect and lack of punctuation marks. 3 stars.
The Cement Garden audio. I have read a few McEwan book, as the library system seems to have almost his entire works, and many of these are in the '1001 books to read before you die' list. This one is a little disturbing for me. It involves four orphaned siblings who lead very dysfunctional lives until authorities intervene. 2 stars.
Nemesis audio. Bucky Cantor is a summer camp instructor during the time of a New Jersey polio outbreak, and must deal with the far-reaching effects. 3 stars.
Sense and Sensibility audio. I also don't recall reading much Jane Austen when I was younger, so I am on a bit of a roll to try to fix this! I reading Emma at the moment.
I thought S&S was quite funny really. 3 stars.
Crime and Punishment Well this was quite a heavy read for me. A double murder is committed in 1860s St Petersburg with the murderer constantly analysing his actions and reactions. Great description of the bleakness of the time and the streetscapes of the city. 4 stars.
Very nice, reading month, Lesley !Re: 1984 the "rat" scene still gives me nightmares!
Good list, Lesley. Would 1788 be good for those of us with very little knowledge of Australian history? You made it sound good.I agree with you about Ian McEwan's first novel. "Disturbing" is a good description. And yet the writing kept me interested. I read this after reading and liking Atonement, which i recently read somewhere on this board is far from enjoyed by many here. I liked it so much I wanted to read all his novels, so tried Cement Garden. I may have read one more after that, though.
My June ReadsMe Before You
4/5 I
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well drawn and the story captivating
Through a Glass, Darkly
4/5
Another strong outing in this series of a venetian police commissioner
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore
I did not finish this book. I read 91 pages and just did not care about any character. There are far to many books that I wish to read to spend anymore time on a book I was not enjoying
Not many this month due to exams...1. 60 Second Science by Nick Daws 4/5
2. How We Met by Katy Regan 3/5
3. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstein 4/5
4. Every Day by David Levithan 5/5
5. The Shack by Wm. Paul Young 4/5
6. You're the One That I Want by Giovanna Fletcher 3/5
7. The Five People You Meet in Heaven 4/5
8. Every Other Day by Jennifer Barnes 2/5
9. The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger 5/5
Meredith wrote: "My June ReadsMe Before You
4/5 I
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well drawn and the story captivating.."
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This is not my usual type of read. However, I read it for my library book group and I couldn't put it down.
Appreciate you sharing with the group, Meredith !
Rosie wrote: "Not many this month due to exams...1. 60 Second Science by Nick Daws 4/5
2. How We Met by Katy Regan 3/5
3. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstein 4/5
4. Every Day by David Levithan 5/5
5. The Shack..."
==========
I think the number of books you read AND had exams is amazing ! I never could do that when I was in college.
Two top rated books in one month is great.
Thanks for sharing !
Meredith, I liked but didn't love Mr. P's bookshop. I chalked it up to my mood but maybe it was more. Your comment has me wondering.Rosie, I agree with Alias. How you can study for exams & read for pleasure is beyond me. Regardless, i hope the tests went well.
Deb, 1788: The Brutal Truth of the First Fleet is a good intro to Australia's First Fleet. On audio, it made for interesting and not too heavy listening, and provides good detail of what was happening back in the England at the time. So, yes, I would recommend. I see that David Hill has a few other non-fiction history books so I may try finding them. Rosie, I hope your exams went well for you.
Thank you, Lesley. I've put it on my list. We've just learned a cousin is moving to Australia to get his doctorate. I suppose that would be the time to go.
Alias Reader wrote: "I don't know quite how express this but I simply love how you interact with the books you read, Soph.
That's very nice of you Alias, and I am so flattered! I love being part of Book Nook, it is wonderful to be part of such a friendly, book-loving group that has interesting discussions on so many subjects. It's the nicest, most welcoming group I've managed to find on Goodreads!
That's very nice of you Alias, and I am so flattered! I love being part of Book Nook, it is wonderful to be part of such a friendly, book-loving group that has interesting discussions on so many subjects. It's the nicest, most welcoming group I've managed to find on Goodreads!
:) And you help to make it special.
I agree, Soph. The people make it great but the willingness to go beyond book discussion makes it a joy. Thanks to everyone--you included, Soph. And, of course to Alias for keeping the posts in threads we can easily locate and Re-locate.
Madrano wrote: "And, of course to Alias for keeping the posts in threads we can easily locate and Re-locate. ..."Yes, absolutely! This is so incredibly helpful, Alias. Whenever I try to poke around other groups, I get frustrated by discussion threads that have been ongoing for 3-4 years and have thousands of "new" comments. Who has the time to wade through all of that? It's so much easier to have the discussions sorted the way you do them.
Thank you. It makes it easier for all of us to navigate the board and for me to keep it organized.I truly appreciate everyone cooperation. :)
And i really like that we can find some of our earlier book discussions. Sometimes i only manage to find/read group books months later.
I read four books this month.
The House at Riverton was not as good as I expected it to be. I had heard it was very well-written, but when I read it, I found it fell a little flat.
Rating: 2/5
The Fault in Our Stars was interesting. It was very much geared towards younger people than myself, but it was still an enjoyable read. I found it much too predictable. I would, however, like to see the movie.
Rating: 3/5
Under Fishbone Clouds was another interesting read. It was told in a unique style that I appreciated, and it moved along at a good pace.
Rating: 3/5
The Book of Lost Fragrances I found unusual. I thought the concept of a fragrance that unlocks your past quite neat, and the story went by quickly.
Rating: 3/5
The House at Riverton was not as good as I expected it to be. I had heard it was very well-written, but when I read it, I found it fell a little flat.
Rating: 2/5
The Fault in Our Stars was interesting. It was very much geared towards younger people than myself, but it was still an enjoyable read. I found it much too predictable. I would, however, like to see the movie.
Rating: 3/5
Under Fishbone Clouds was another interesting read. It was told in a unique style that I appreciated, and it moved along at a good pace.
Rating: 3/5
The Book of Lost Fragrances I found unusual. I thought the concept of a fragrance that unlocks your past quite neat, and the story went by quickly.
Rating: 3/5
Maggie wrote: The Fault in Our Stars was interesting. It was very much geared towards younger people than myself, but it was still an enjoyable read. I found it much too predictable. I would, however, like to see the movie.Rating: 3/5.."
I thought this one was good for a Young Adult novel. Since I am far from a young adult, I thought it was just okay.
Book Nook Cafe
Books mentioned in this topic
The House at Riverton (other topics)The Book of Lost Fragrances (other topics)
Under Fishbone Clouds (other topics)
The Fault in Our Stars (other topics)
1788: The Brutal Truth of the First Fleet (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Ian McEwan (other topics)Jack Finney (other topics)
Michael Lesy (other topics)
Laura Dent Crane (other topics)
Joan R. Mertens (other topics)
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(Sophie's choice) I've never seen the movie or read the book. I know what her choice is and I just can't bring myself to read it.
Thanks for sharing, Amy !