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Fiction- What are you reading? Part 2
Yes, Destiny of the Republic. An excellent read.
Nancy from NJ wrote: "Dara Horn lives near me and I’ve heard her speak. Yes she is one of several Jewish authors who write about Jewish experiences and values. Some of the others are Rachel Kaminsky, Rachel Kadish. Dani..."Cynthia Ozick is brilliant, isn't she, Nancy? I've read some of her books.
I have been told in another group that is one of Christie's best. But I have been burned so I don't dare try it for now, I do not think who dunnit ,mysteries are for me. I will try the first Miss Marple though later this month.
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Chrissie wrote: "I have been told in another group that is one of Christie's best. But I have been burned so I don't dare try it for now, I do not think who dunnit ,mysteries are for me. I will try the first Miss M..."
It is mostly well known because in here Christie breaks a couple of "unwritten" rules of mystery writings. Louise Penny has done the same some 50 years later....
LauraT wrote: "Marina (Sonnenbarke) wrote: "I'm currently reading The Murder of Roger Ackroyd - seems wonderful at about halfway through!"Chrissie wrote: "I have been told in another group that is ..."
What rules does Christie break? You can use spoiler html if necessary.
Chrissie wrote: "I have been told in another group that is one of Christie's best. But I have been burned so I don't dare try it for now, I do not think who dunnit ,mysteries are for me. I will try the first Miss M..."Yes, I've heard many people say that it is her best. I'm enjoying it a lot so far.
I'm reading The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. It's at least my third time reading it - it might even be the fourth, I'm not sure. It's always been one of my favorites and I'm happy to re-read it as a way to come out of a reading slump.
Book Addict - please forgive me. I just saw your message about Cynthia Ozick and yes, she is brilliant. I recently reread The Shawl and found it as moving as the first time I read it.! suggest you also read Tell Me a Riddle by Tillie Olsen which are short stories. My favorite is I Stand Here Ironing.
That's fine, Nancy. I understand often there is a lot of posts each day and sometimes comments are missed:)
Leslie wrote: "Beth wrote: "Yesterday I started Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency, which is a buddy read in one of my other groups, and a reread for me. I'm enjoying it so far."Such fun! Person..."
I read one of his novels a number of years ago, but they aren't really my cup of tea. did you like this?
I've started A Beam of Light. Andrea Camilleri is one of my favorite authors and I love his Montalbano series. Unfortunately this book is a bit spoiled for me by the fact that I had seen the TV episode - while it was a long time ago, I happen to remember the story. Still, it's a great read - I can always resort to Montalbano whenever I have reader's block or I'm feeling blue for whatever reason :)
I've just started babel-17 by Samuel r. delany and The Traitor Baru Cormorant. The writing is very different. I haven't gotten very far into it, but I'm finding babel-17 difficult to read. It's like a mixture of poetry and straight text.
i am reading a non-fiction Post-Truth: The New War on Truth and How to Fight Back which is well written and an enjoyable read but for some reason this morning I felt like something frivolous and glancing at the station free-library saw Finding Colin Firth. Never heard of it before but Colin Firth......It is very light and I keep feeling I should put it down and use my reading time for books in my TBR but I am quite enjoying it.
I have picked up the Girls & Boys by Dennis Kelly. It is very short, so probably I will have to pick up something else tomorrow too.
I'm reading Tea with Milk and Murder, a nice cozy mystery, second in the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries series.
Am currently on holiday in New Hampshire and of course, just HAD to visit Salem in Massachusetts. As a result, I’m re-reading several books based around events that took place in Salem or around the same times - starting with Hawthorn’s Scarlet Letter. Still hard going but now I have a bit more knowledge of the time and events, it’s easier
I'm reading The Mere Wife by Maria Dahvana Headley. It's a re-telling of Beowulf situated in suburbia. I'm enjoying it so far. It's an interesting take on the story.
Jo - I enjoyed The Scarlet Letter much more on rereading. I struggled with House of The Seven Gables - though I liked the house.
If you enjoyed Proust’s description of the demimonde, you might find this interesting https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2018...a real dancer of the era who became a courtesan then a very wealthy philanthropist- but a long the way posed for a painting - early sexting I’d say.
@Joan - I bought Seven Gables whilst there- might read on the flight home. Looks really interesting
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I very much liked Scarlet Letter, but I struggled with House of Seven Gables as well.
Same as Greg and Joan regarding Hawthorne. I really liked The Scarlet Letter, but I found The House of the Seven Gables super boring. I mean, really, extremely boring. Perhaps one of the most boring books I've ever read. So good luck with it, Jo, I hope you'll like it more than we three did!
I reacted as you, Marina. TSL I gave 4 stars but only 1 to THOSG!
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Ha, one on which we do agree! I would rate both similarly - TSL 4 or 5, THOSG maybe 2.
And Marina, I think it is my most boring book as well. So strange that all of the gorgeous & fresh imagery, fine craft and alive symbolism of TSL felt so faded and grey in THOSG.
One day I want to read Tanglewood Tales: A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys - I enjoy myths and it looks fun.
Chrissie, you and Angela are both reading this. Can't wait too see what you both think.
Diane S ☔ wrote: "Chrissie, you and Angela are both reading this. Can't wait too see what you both think."I saw that you gave it four stars; that is a good prognosis.
I have lots of new releases sitting on my coffee table, waiting patiently to be read; once my reading slump abates, that is. I do have a strict rule that they don't move into my livingroom bookshelves until they are read so I am not worried I will miss them. I may just be a little behind the rest of you.
B the BookAddict wrote: "I have lots of new releases sitting on my coffee table, waiting patiently to be read; once my reading slump abates, that is. I do have a strict rule that they don't move into my livingroom bookshel..."Oh, Bette, still in your slump...........sigh!
I am listening to Gone So Long read by the author. Kind of depressing.Diane and Angela, hasn't it / doesn't it affected you that way too? And it is kind of long and drawn out.
OK, there are of course good lines, but ..........
The book does somehow punch you in the gut though. I don't know what I think really.
I am looking for a really, really, really , AMAZINGLY EXCELLENT book. It has been ages since I have run into a book like that. I also want it to be big and fat and something I never want to put down.
I have a question--how would one compare the writing of Andre Dubus III and Andre Dubus? I am thinking I should try the father's works too.
The subject matter of the book doesn't lend itself to happy and cheerful. I did say I thought it was too long, could have been much shorter, I do agree. But at the end you have a complete picture of how these characters lives have been impacted, how they felt, how they think and as you said his writing is good. No idea about the difference between father and son. Maybe I should try one too. Book wishes, would love one like that too!!
Chrissie, I’m hoping to finish it today. I’m also finding it sad and sometimes slow going . But it is such a terrific character study for both father and daughter. I was wondering how this would be for you listening to it since parts of Susan’s book are interspersed. I don’t want to discuss more here so I don’t spoil anything for anyone who might read it later. I’ll be looking for your review and final thoughts. If I finish today , I should have a review tomorrow. I’ve never read anything by his father.
Diane S ☔ wrote: "The subject matter of the book doesn't lend itself to happy and cheerful. I did say I thought it was too long, could have been much shorter, I do agree. "We are thinking on the same lines. Reading one book at a time, with a book as dark as this, IS difficult. I am continuing though.
Angela M wrote: "Chrissie, I’m hoping to finish it today. I’m also finding it sad and sometimes slow going . But it is such a terrific character study for both father and daughter. I was wondering how this would be..."I agree with you too. All three of us agree that the book is good on portraying its characters and that it is slow going in sections. I have come to where Susan is voicing her thoughts. The switch is kind of abrupt, but clear, so not confusing.
I'm reading Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin for a buddy read in another group. This is a book to be savored slowly - I'm loving it so far (50 pages in).
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I love this book! Enjoy:)
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Rowena wrote: "Alice wrote: "I'm reading Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin for a buddy read in another group. This is a book to be savored slowly - I'm loving it so far (50 pages in)."..."
Thanks, Rowena! I really like Baldwin's writing.
Alice wrote: "I'm reading Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin for a buddy read in another group. This is a book to be savored slowly - I'm loving it so far (50 pages in)."There were several of us who read that book and discussed it a while ago. I thought it was great.
Now I want a normal length book, NOT a short one. I will begin The Grand Sophy, my first Georgette Heyer. It has been recommended to me; it is supposed to be light and fun.
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I started reading Animal's People by Indra Sinha. Bought it at a stand with secondhand books, without knowing anything about it. I've read 100 pages so far and I'm not liking it a lot. Will see if I'll manage to finish it or if I give up.