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What have you just read? Opinions, recommendations, reviews Part 2
My review for The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I really liked it despite a slightly unbelievable ending.
Greg wrote: "Petra wrote: "Greg wrote: "Is this the first time you've read it Petra? It is surprising how different all the movies are than the book - they latch on to the scary monster part, occasionally the o......."Greg, at first I felt for Viktor. He achieved something never done. Naturally, fear and astonishment would be how he might feel and running away might be a first reaction.
However, I found him cowardly. His creation was unprepared, did not ask to be put in this predicament and had no protection. One does not do that to anyone.....and one does not leave one's mess to just disappear. I felt Viktor wanted that night to have no consequences and to "just go away". Things don't happen like that. Viktor showed no responsibility for his creation....something all scientists are morally bound to do.
The creature, poor thing, was a "stranger in a strange land". He knew nothing, had nothing, yet needed the essentials of life. That includes friendship and interaction with others. He had no food, clothing, shelter, interaction. He's completely alone. (view spoiler)
I could see the creature being accepted into society with Viktor's help. That would have made for a happy story for both Viktor and the creature...….but then we wouldn't have this terrific book.
Mod
I do completely agree Petra. The outcome would have been very different if Viktor had had the courage to face what he had done. And the creature was not evil by nature - any measure of kindness toward the creature in the beginning might have made things very different.
Unfortunately that can be true in "real life" sometimes as well; just a little compassion at the right moment has the power to avert so many disasters! But sometimes there is no one there to provide it before things go off the rails.
It is really amazing that Shelley was so young when she wrote this book! ... it has so much sophistication & insight.
That crossed my mind a few times as I was reading, Greg, and I wondered whether Mary had been subjected to hurtful situations where compassion and empathy would have helped. She must have been an insightful person.
Mod
She must have been an ..."
I imagine things were a bit crazy for her - a brilliant mother and an even more brilliant husband, both geniuses in their own way, and her considerable talent herself ... I imagine being at the center of so much attention in such an artistic/social whirlwind might not have been easy. for her. I know next to nothing about her life. A good biography could be fascinating, though there is so much only she and her inner circle would have known.
Can anyone recommend some good sappy love stories? Lol. Not like 50 shades, but more like sweet real life stories. Thanks 💖
Not this one, Heather!I just read National Parks of the USA an illustrated non-fiction book for kids, but interesting for adults, too, by Kate Siber. I included some of the stylised art.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This year's Pulitzer winner Less
was 5 stars for meMy review :https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I have completed The Devil's Dream by Lee Smith, a Southern writer.My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I finished Laurus by Evgenij Vodolazkin.It's an unusual book about a fictional 15thC Russian folk hero. The novel is a sort of blend of allegory, magical realism, and mysticism wrapped up in an atmosphere of fable and fairy tale.
I enjoyed it. Thanks to Kathleen for recommending it.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I finished reading A Death in the Small Hours by Charles Finch. This is the 6th book in the Charles Lenox series, set in Victorian England.They are very well researched with well crafted murders and great background and characters.
Mod
It's an unusual book about a fictional 15thC Russian folk hero. The novel is a sort of blend of allegory, magical realism,..."
Looks intriguing!
Oprah Winfrey and Angelina Jolie, eat your hearts out! Josephine Baker was a fabulous, internationally famous dancer, spy, and civil rights activist. I enjoyed this lively introduction for kids by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara.
5★ https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I read The Trouble with Goats and Sheep on Saturday which I enjoyed but didn't love. It was a bit twee for me at times but certainly kept me interested. I gave it 3*. It was funny to read it in the summer heat as it is set in the heatwave of 1979 which this year is being compared to in the UK!
Mod
I've, for the first time in years, read it while listening to the librivox recording, and I've to say it is much more enjoyable!
I stuck in a short story by Guy de Maupassant--The Necklace.My exceedingly short review with a link to the short story online:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I read Praise Song for the Butterflies. 5 stars . My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Life's been busy, so I'm a little behind on sharing my recent reads. Here's what I read the last couple of weeks:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling ★★★★★ (of course)Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Outsider by Stephen King ★★★★☆ Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Stone of Hope: Prophetic Religion and the Death of Jim Crow by David Chappell ★★★☆☆ Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Age of War by Michael J. Sullivan ★★★☆☆ Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Every Man a Speculator: A History of Wall Street in American Life by Steve Fraser ★★★☆☆ Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'm not going to lie. Finished The Last Time I Lied. My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My reviews of Safe Harbour by Helene Younghttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and
The Sweet Smell of Magnolias and Memories
by Celeste Fletcher McHale
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I just finished this via audio. A Spool of Blue Thread. Here is my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I have wanted to test another short story by William Trevor. I found Three People free online in a podcast from The Guardian.My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
There is a link to where I listened in my review.
I have found I can read short stories if I read just one at a time. Off and on, so to speak.
I finished Double Blind by Iris Johansen yesterday. It is the latest book in the Kendra Michaels series. I haven't written my review yet, but I really enjoyed this one. A lot less angst than some of the previous ones and more Adam :D
How did you enjoy The Rain Watcher. While I enjoyed, if one can use that word, I never liked her subsequent books. Hoping I will enjoy this title.
I finished The Sugar Men by Ray Kingfisher. Except for the ending, I thought this was one of the better books I read about the Holcaust this year.
I have finished The Golden Pot by E.T.A. Hoffmann 3*Till now the most difficult story that I've read by him and therefore also the one I liked the less because I struggled too much.
English review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished
by Alex Dahl Right down the middle on this one
My Review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I think I'm the one out of step about Claire Fuller's new novel Bitter Orange. Many readers love it.
3★ Link to my review
I have completed The Far Away Brothers: Two Young Migrants and the Making of an American LifeMy review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and A Bear Called Paddington
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Just read The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy. New mothers, a baby abducted, a mystery many will enjoy. 
3.5★ My review
Love this woman
. Here is my review for Helen Keller
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I have completed Ashenden, yup, another one by W. Somerset Maugham. I just like the way this guy writes, and all of his stories are different. How many authors can do that? Keep in mind that if you do not like one, you may like another.My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
LauraT wrote: "Finished last Saturday Much Ado About Nothing. It is a well known play - to say the least! - but still it is a pleasure to read a Shakespeare a uear!I've, for the first time in years..."
I enjoyed this when I listened to it this spring!
I finished The Forest Of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan the day b4 yesterday and I'm about to finish Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. When I'm done with that I'll b starting The Dead Tossed Waves ( the sequel to The Forest Of Hands and Teeth ❤❤
All About Books
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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Willow Rose (other topics)
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Luis Alberto Urrea (other topics)
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