What are You Currently Reading?

[Kate]

I just finished the first Diana Gabaldon Outlander novel (known here in Oz as Cross Stitch but I think it may have another name in the States?). It came recommended from a workmate and although I didn't expect to, I ended up really enjoying it. I have heard that the quality of the novels drops as the series goes on, and reading the plot summaries on Wikipedia made me wary. Just wondering if anyone can tell me if they think it is worthwhile continuing on with the series?

[Amy]

Hannah wrote: "I'm reading Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and I'm almost 200 pages in and just not invested at all. I'm bummed because friends of mine talked this book up a lot and I feel like maybe I..."

Hannah - I also had a great deal of difficulty getting into Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, and, having read it to completion, I still don't quite get what everyone loved about it. I'm glad that I read it - I think it was an interesting experiment, even if I can't exactly say that I liked it.

[Rachael]

Just started Gone Girl, having downloaded it to my e-reader nearly a year ago, and having very studiously avoided spoilers or discussions about the book for this entire time. It's been difficult to do, I'll tell you. It's a quick read. I just started last night and I'm nearly a third finished already.

I can't say that I find it gripping, but it's entertaining enough to keep reading.

[Francy]

Hannah wrote: "I'm reading Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and I'm almost 200 pages in and just not invested at all. I'm bummed because friends of mine talked this book up a lot and I feel like maybe I..."

If you are not invested 200 pages in, it's probably time to give up. I slogged my way through it and once it was over, did not know why for the life of me I wasted all that time. I do not understand the hype at all. I took nothing away from the experience of reading that one.

[Meagann]

I'm about to start reading Worst. Person. Ever. by Douglas Coupland. He's my favourite author ever in life, so I am over the top biased; however, even if this doesn't end up being his best work, I know something zany will happen that will keep me entertained.

[Lacey]

Amy wrote: "Hannah wrote: "I'm reading Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and I'm almost 200 pages in and just not invested at all. I'm bummed because friends of mine talked this book up a lot and I fe..."

I've read the first 100-200 pages probably three times and put it down every time. It seems like something I would like but haven't been able to get into it either.

[[deleted user]]

Lacey wrote: "Amy wrote: "Hannah wrote: "I'm reading Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and I'm almost 200 pages in and just not invested at all. I'm bummed because friends of mine talked this book up a ..."

Oh good, this is all making me more comfortable with putting it down. But also bummed that there never seemed to be a turning point where the narrative really got going. Sorry, book.

[[deleted user]]

Francy wrote: "Hannah wrote: "I'm reading Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and I'm almost 200 pages in and just not invested at all. I'm bummed because friends of mine talked this book up a lot and I fe..."

For real the beginning has three solid pages of excerpts of book reviews praising it like it was the guttenberg bible. i guess that should have tipped me off. books that need to excessively advertise how great they are might be overcompensating a bit...

[Erin]

Kate wrote: "I just finished the first Diana Gabaldon Outlander novel (known here in Oz as Cross Stitch but I think it may have another name in the States?). It came recommended from a workmate and although I d..."

Kate, the book here is entitled "Outlander", and I'm re-reading it myself before the Starz series starts in August. I read (and devoured) all four of the first books, and then stopped after that (they were so long and such a commitment!) but I thought they were wonderful (although it's been 20 years...I've frankly forgotten most of the plots except how evil Black Jack Randall is and how freaking hot Jamie Fraser is. I'd continue in the series if you have the time!

[Jane]

completely worth it Kate - they are long and very descriptive but so well done and the TV series starts soon so that might stoke you to keep reading the books. She is a wonderful writer who I will always have time for.

[Ginger]

Kate, I've read and enjoyed all of the Outlander series. The latest book was my least favorite, but still well worth reading.

[Diane]

Amy wrote: "Hannah wrote: "I'm reading Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and I'm almost 200 pages in and just not invested at all. I'm bummed because friends of mine talked this book up a lot and I fe..."
I loved Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, but can quite see why others might not enjoy it. My feeling is that life is too short for spending hours reading books you really don't like, and if after 200 pages you are not feeling the love, give it up and read something else!

[Lacey]

Jane wrote: "completely worth it Kate - they are long and very descriptive but so well done and the TV series starts soon so that might stoke you to keep reading the books. She is a wonderful writer who I will ..."

I agree! And I'm very much looking forward to the show, although I kind of dread what they might do to it... Are there any early reviews?

[Ginger]

Lacey wrote: "Jane wrote: "completely worth it Kate - they are long and very descriptive but so well done and the TV series starts soon so that might stoke you to keep reading the books. She is a wonderful write..."

I've read several reviews, and they're all good. I cannot wait to hear Jamie speak in a Scottish burr (outside my head, that is!). Episode 1 is supposed to be available online on August 2.

[Lacey]

Ginger wrote: "Lacey wrote: "Jane wrote: "completely worth it Kate - they are long and very descriptive but so well done and the TV series starts soon so that might stoke you to keep reading the books. She is a w..."

Excellent! That makes me happy. I do like the casting, I must say. Yay!

[Kate]

Thanks for the feedback on Outlander! I can't wait for the series to start!

[Kris]

Yeah, as soon as I get our regular book club book read (The Goldfinch for the 18th), I'm totally picking up Outlander.

[Jill]

I hated every minute I spent trudging through the first hundred pages of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. I finally gave up and have never regretted the decision. There wasn't a single character I liked or cared about! If you made it to 200, you're doing better than I did!

[Sara]

just started People Who Eat Darkness: The Fate of Lucie Blackman, to be followed by Old Man and the Sea for my book club.

[Kate]

Kate wrote: "I just finished the first Diana Gabaldon Outlander novel (known here in Oz as Cross Stitch but I think it may have another name in the States?). It came recommended from a workmate and although I d..."
Kate - it's definitely worthwhile reading the second (my favorite in the series - covers the Battle of Culloden), and probably the third. After that opinions vary. I like the books - I think they're very well-done, detailed historical fiction about life in Colonial America, but they don't have a lot of the elements of the earlier books that people loved - the fast pacing, Scots element, young lovers, etc. And they deal more with some of the secondary characters than with Jamie and Claire, who are FAR more interesting than most of the secondary characters. I do like them, a lot, but not everyone does. Definitely read Dragonfly in Amber and Voyager, though!

[Third March Sister]

I really liked Code Name Verity and the later, related story, Rose Under Fire. Looking forward to the discussion in August!

[Third March Sister]

I enjoy reading Terry Pratchett's novels, because he is a master satirist and often his books are drive off the road funny, as a librarian I'm fond of once said. He gets across so much about life and being human, while garbing the whole in fantasy/alternate realities. He knows how to write great female characters, too. Two books I can recommend from the many he has written are Nation and Monstrous Regiment. He is battling dementia, so now when I read his stuff I feel grief, yet I want to congratulate him on a brilliant career. The only disappointment for me was his collaboration that resulted in a series that begins with The Long Earth. Didn't care for that one at all. So what I'm reading or rereading, every summer, is some Pratchett.

[Janine]

Just started reading 'The Pythons' Autobiography By The Pythons' and it's super interesting.

[Bonnie G.]

Janine wrote: "Just started reading 'The Pythons' Autobiography By The Pythons' and it's super interesting."

Thanks for mentioning! I will be getting this for my son. He is a huge fan.

[Elizabeth]

Beverly wrote: "I enjoy reading Terry Pratchett's novels, because he is a master satirist and often his books are drive off the road funny, as a librarian I'm fond of once said. He gets across so much about life a..."

I love Terry Pratchett. The very earliest Discworld novels feel a little dated to me now--too much Tolkein parody--but the Tiffany Aching series (which started with "The Wee Free Men" in 2003) is wonderful, with such strong women, as Beverly mentions. The audiobooks are excellent: I listened to the first three with my daughter, who's ten, and she totally got them. (The fourth is too adult for her: domestic violence.) It sounds as if "Monstrous Regiment" should be my next one. Has anyone read the newish "Dodger," inspired by "Oliver Twist"? I'm wondering if I should try it.

Meanwhile, I just started "Death Comes to Pemberley," which has been on my shelf since it came out. So far, it seems quite a bit better than most Austen homage but not nearly so good as regular PD James. What do you all think?

[Jill]

I'm reading 'Motley Crue: The Dirt' for my book club at work and before you scoff and pass right over that idea, let me tell you: NONE OF US CAN PUT IT DOWN!! It is disgusting and hideous and you can't believe these people even qualify as human beings, but it is also completely fascinating. I'm getting close to the end where there is some level of comeuppance? redemption? ... I'm not sure yet, but it's looking like there will be a satisfying ending where maybe they do learn that they are not invincible. It certainly brought back memories of 80s hair bands! I'm not even done and I am already recommending it to people.

[Susan]

Elizabeth wrote: "Beverly wrote: "I enjoy reading Terry Pratchett's novels, because he is a master satirist and often his books are drive off the road funny, as a librarian I'm fond of once said. He gets across so m..."

Re: Death Comes to Pemberley. I read it when it came out. I thought it was horrible. PD James is so much better than that. I recently saw that they are making a movie/TV show out of it. A real disappointment.

[Bonnie G.]

Susan wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "Beverly wrote: "I enjoy reading Terry Pratchett's novels, because he is a master satirist and often his books are drive off the road funny, as a librarian I'm fond of once said. H..."

ITA, I hated Death Comes to Pemberley. It does a disservice to both Austen and PD James who are both better than this junk. Also, it was really boring. That said, I am hoping the miniseries is better. Sometimes books I dislike make great movies just as books I love often make terrible movies. If you are interested, here is my review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Elizabeth]

Bonnie wrote: "Susan wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "Beverly wrote: "I enjoy reading Terry Pratchett's novels, because he is a master satirist and often his books are drive off the road funny, as a librarian I'm fond o..."

Thanks, Susan and Bonnie (I love your review). That's what I was afraid of. I might push through anyway, just to move it off the bedside table, but at least I'm forewarned . . .

[Alicia]

Elizabeth wrote: "I love Terry Pratchett. The very earliest Discworld novels feel a little dated to me now--too much Tolkein parody--but the Tiffany Aching series (which started with "The Wee Free Men" in 2003) is wonderful, with such strong women, as Beverly mentions. ..."

I think if I'd read Discworld in publication order, I'd never had read a second book! Even now the wizards are my least-favourite. Whereas my husband, who introduced me to Pratchett, loves the wizards and can't stand the witches.

Love Monstrous Regiment, definitely one of my favourites.

[Megan]

Beverly wrote: "Has anyone read the newish "Dodger," inspired by "Oliver Twist"? I'm wondering if I should try it."

I read that last year, and enjoyed it a lot. The only Terry Pratchett I read before was Good Omens which he read with Neil Gaiman, and which I LOVED. But yeah, I'd recommend Dodger. It was a cute take on Oliver Twist, introducing you to the idea that the Artful Dodger and Fagan were people Charles Dickens knew in real life and based his novel on.

[Janine]

Bonnie wrote: "Janine wrote: "Just started reading 'The Pythons' Autobiography By The Pythons' and it's super interesting."

Thanks for mentioning! I will be getting this for my son. He is a huge fan."

Me too, your son has great taste haha! :) It's really funny and has great background info. Not book-related, but if he enjoys Python he should check out the 'Almost the Truth' documentary movie they did a few years ago if he hasn't, really great as well! :)

[Robyn]

Elizabeth wrote: "Beverly wrote: "I enjoy reading Terry Pratchett's novels, because he is a master satirist and often his books are drive off the road funny, as a librarian I'm fond of once said. He gets across so m..."

Not a fan of "Death Comes to Pemberley" but if you've run out of Austen I HIGHLY recommend Georgette Heyer's books - they are well-written and often funny Regency Romances. I've read about all of them at this point. She also has some decent historical fiction and a '20's era detective series, but I haven't gotten around to that yet.

[Margaret]

Elizabeth wrote: "Beverly wrote: "I enjoy reading Terry Pratchett's novels, because he is a master satirist and often his books are drive off the road funny, as a librarian I'm fond of once said. He gets across so m..."
I just finished Death Comes to Pemberley yesterday and I loved it. The characters seemed to have grown and developed in a way that stayed true to Austen.

[Elizabeth]

Robyn wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "Beverly wrote: "I enjoy ..."

Not a fan of "Death Comes to Pemberley" but if you've run out of Austen I HIGHLY recommend Georgette Heyer's books

Georgette Heyer came up on another thread, or maybe even earlier on this one. YES. I have read all her books, most of them many times. History, humor, fashion . . . Enthusiastic endorsement! Some good ones to start with: Frederica, The Grand Sophy, Regency Buck, Venetia. I am especially fond, also, of the series that begins with These Old Shades, set in the 1750s.

Meanwhile, still pushing through Death Comes to Pemberley . . .

[Shannon]

I completely agree. I adore PD James and was so disappointed in that book. I've tried to get into Austen fanfic (I had a patient that wrote one!) but it just always rings false to me.

[Frances]

Sara wrote: "just started People Who Eat Darkness: The Fate of Lucie Blackman, to be followed by Old Man and the Sea for my book club."

I have a sample of that (people who eat darkness) on my kindle for ages and have been debating whether to get the book. Please let me know what you think when you finish.

[Bonnie G.]

Janine wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "Janine wrote: "Just started reading 'The Pythons' Autobiography By The Pythons' and it's super interesting."

Thanks for mentioning! I will be getting this for my son. He is a huge..."

Thanks Janine, you are clearly a woman of refined tastes as well :) I told him about Almost the Truth and he is going to get that one. Great suggestion!

[Amy]

If you're looking for Austen fanfic, try "Longbourn" by Jo Baker. It's "Pride and Prejudice" told from the perspective of the servants, and I thought it was both a wonderful tribute and story in its own right. I found it offered a realistic (and grittier) look into early 19th-century life in rural England. It's also a great romance, as you'd expect from an Austen tribute. It stayed with me for quite awhile after finishing it. I highly recommend!

[Alicia]

Amy wrote: "If you're looking for Austen fanfic, try "Longbourn" by Jo Baker. It's "Pride and Prejudice" told from the perspective of the servants, and I thought it was both a wonderful tribute and story in it..."

I really enjoyed that one too.

[Elizabeth]

Alicia wrote: "Amy wrote: "If you're looking for Austen fanfic, try "Longbourn" by Jo Baker."

"Longourn" is a great idea. I checked that out last summer but never got around to it and then forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder!

Meanwhile, I'm happy to report that I finished "Death Comes to Pemberley," so I can put it away and never think of it again. I never thought I'd say that about a PD James novel.

[Bonnie G.]

Amy wrote: "If you're looking for Austen fanfic, try "Longbourn" by Jo Baker. It's "Pride and Prejudice" told from the perspective of the servants, and I thought it was both a wonderful tribute and story in it..."

Thanks for the suggestion. I had been considering Longbourn. I like the upstairs-downstairs concept. I had gotten good reviews before, but not from people whose opinions really resonated with me. I will put it on my list now!

[Third March Sister]

Elizabeth wrote: "Beverly wrote: "I enjoy reading Terry Pratchett's novels, because he is a master satirist and often his books are drive off the road funny, as a librarian I'm fond of once said. He gets across so m..."

Death Comes to Pemberley was one I read a few months ago. It was my first PD James book. It was an odd hybrid of James and Austen for me. I'm an Austen fan and I didn't love or hate this one, it was just OK. I hope the movie is better, and if only they could recast Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth and everyone...but I can't believe that would ever happen or even work 20 years later...

[Third March Sister]

Megan wrote: "Beverly wrote: "Has anyone read the newish "Dodger," inspired by "Oliver Twist"? I'm wondering if I should try it."

I read that last year, and enjoyed it a lot. The only Terry Pratchett I read bef..."

I really enjoyed Good Omens. I still threaten my houseplants if they don't do their best. Dodger was fun, too, but it felt a bit YA. However, I like to read YA books and don't have a problem with that. I also really liked Pratchett's Tiffany Aching series.

[Shannon]

Megan wrote: "I'm about 150 pages into The Goldfinch. So far I'm really loving it, but I worry because it's gotten so many reviews saying that it should have been shorter, that it gets too bogged down in describ..."

Ha! This is also a pet peeve of mine. My mind just starts to skip over lists of more than three items.

I am reading quite a few different books, one of which is The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory. I am quite interested in Anne Boleyn and have read a good number of books about her. For some reason I just hadn't got round to one of the most famous/infamous ones!

[Laura]

Oh,Death Comes to Pemberley - I wanted to like it SO MUCH, but I didn't. I hated how much inner thought there was. Austen is all about witty dialog. No one talked to anyone else in this book. My favorite Pride and Prejudice stories are Unequal Affections: A Pride and Prejudice Retelling, Pamela Aidan's trilogy, and Carrie Bebris's Mr and Mrs Darcy Mysteries.

I just read Shades of Grey and OMG FANTASTIC. Absolutely great. So much fun. It's like 1984 meets Monty Python.

[Alicia]

I'm reading for another bookclub (a food blogging one - we read a book and then cook something inspired by it and blog about it). Enjoying it so far, although I am glad she keeps saying that she loves him, because I am not finding him very lovable...

[Bonnie G.]

I am about 2/3 through A Tale for the Time Being and it is fantastic. I had not seen it mentioned here. Has anyone else read it?

[annabel]

Oh, I loved The Other Boleyn Girl. I found it fascinating how the family was basically just pimping their daughters out.

[Leah]

Bonnie wrote: "I am about 2/3 through A Tale for the Time Being and it is fantastic. I had not seen it mentioned here. Has anyone else read it?"

Oh, Bonnie, I'm SO glad you're loving it!! :) It was one of my favorites of last year!