What Else Are You Reading in 2019? Showing 951-1,000 of 3,237

[CBRetriever]

There's a Mel Gibson version of Hamlet with Glenn Cloase and Helena Bonham-Carter as well as a David Tennant and Patrick Stewart version made for the BBC

[YouKneeK]

Yes, there are a lot of versions of Hamlet. I think the Mel Gibson version is the version we watched when I was in high school, but I don’t really remember it at all. I’d like to watch the Patrick Stewart and David Tennant versions someday. I was tempted by them at the time I was watching the others, but I decided enough was enough. I’ve stuck to one version each with the other plays I’ve read. I don’t like to spend a lot of time watching TV and movies.

The thing I like about the Branagh versions when I can find them is that they’re fairly true to the original setting and context which is exactly what I want from the first visual adaptations I watch to supplement my experience reading the plays. Someday I’d like to cycle back around and watch some of the more creative interpretations, though.

[CBRetriever]

whatever you do, don't watch the most recent version of Titus Andronicus (the movie is called Titus) - it's toatlly gruesome

[Michele]

Thomas wrote: "I have just introduced myself to the Discworld by reading The Colour of Magic, something I should have done a long time ago...."

Huzzah!! Wait until you meet the witches :)

[Prophet]

I read
The Likeness by Tara French. Very good. Cant go wrong with Dublin Murder Squad when in the mood for crime/ thriller. Four stars
The Stars Are Legion. Wow. Great book, full of crazy stuff. The ending, unfortunately, was a bit weak. Hence, “only” four stars. Will read more from Hurley.
Rosewater by Tade Thompson. Absolutely fantastic book. Great setting, some truly innovative ideas. Liked the time jumps. Best SciFi I’ve read in a while. Five stars. Cannot wait for The Rosewater Insurrection
Children of Time As good as everybody said. Five stars.

Currently 33% into Aurora. So far so good.

[Melina]

Started this bad boy finally. It's a dense book, no surprises there, so I decided to focus just on that this month. And a few podcasts to keep me in the Dune universe when I need a break from physical reading.

Chapterhouse: Dune

I was planning to start the Prelude series next, and I probably will, unless my LOTR rereading marathon gets in the way.

[Leah]

Prophet wrote: "Rosewater by Tade Thompson. Absolutely fantastic book."
I just finished that this weekend as part of a buddy read and there are some aspects to it that I really liked. I ended up giving it only 3.5 stars because while I really enjoyed it I didn't quite love it. But I agree that it is a great sci-fi book and I thought the time jumps were very well done.

I also finally finished The Priory of the Orange Tree and I have to say it was not bad. Do I agree with everyone who is calling Shannon "The Female Tolkien"? No, but its a decent fantasy novel in my opinion. If you ask me it did not need to be 800 pages (filler galore) but other than that it had an engaging plot and good descriptive power.

Other notable books I've finished in the last few weeks that I really enjoyed were The Night Circus, Steelheart Trilogy and Seraphina.

My current undertaking is that I have finally restarted the Wheel of Time series. I read it years ago but only made it to about book 7 or 8 before life got in the way and I dropped off. Currently on The Great Hunt now and I remember why I enjoyed it so much the first time. :) When I need a break from that I am going to try the The Bear and the Nightingale trilogy since it's so widely loved.

[Travis]

Prophet wrote: "I read
The Likeness by Tara French. Very good. Cant go wrong with Dublin Murder Squad when in the mood for crime/ thriller. Four stars"

Murder mysteries set within English departments are my very favorite kinds.

[Nanu]

I just restarted the Cirque Du Freak but this time an audiobook. I had forgotten how much I loved it

[Beth]

Allison wrote: "Lowell, that seems like a good suggestion. I too have a hard time with things like short stories and essays and the like...yes, technically I read it, and sure, I have feelings about it, but do I want it to show up in my ratings and such?"

I rate (and sometimes review) novellas and manga volumes but don't add a read date. Anything shorter than that and I feel like my shelves would get too cluttered.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

I just read The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet and Rocannon's World, which were both endearing and fun.

Now onto Dreamsnake and definitely not Spinning Silver because I never cheat!

[Gabi]

Allison wrote: "Now onto Dreamsnake and definitely not Spinning Silver because I never cheat!
"

LOL! I had to cheat. "Spinning Silver" is one of those expensive ebooks I had to get as audioversion - and since I had long travel hours to kill over Eastern I already listened to it. It was surprisingly good!

[YouKneeK]

I plan to read Spinning Silver after my current book. I was happy to see that it won the poll because I’d been wanting to read it. :)

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Lol Gabi! I'll be talking about it with you and it sounds like YouKneeK soon! :D

[Lowell]

Allison wrote: "...definitely not Spinning Silver because I never cheat!

Because it's been our read-aloud book, I'm only making my way through Spinning silver very slowly.. but it's by FAR my favorite book released in 2018. there would have to be something apocalyptically dumb in the last 30% of the book for me to fall out of love with it.

The themes are so carefully put together and reinforced all the way through. There's a lot of layers here, and it's so well-crafted that I think it's honestly a step above every bit of Novik's prior (and very fun) work.

I also picked up the audio book for cheap and It's a fantastic reading. absolutely excellent.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Lowell wrote: "Allison wrote: "...definitely not Spinning Silver because I never cheat!

Because it's been our read-aloud book, I'm only making my way through Spinning silver very slowly.. but it's by FAR my fav..."

I'm excited to see what the hubbub is about! I'd love to have something delightful right about now :)

[MadProfessah]

I love Tana French. I think she’s the best British mystery author currently writing. Get THE WITCH ELM(2018) is fantastic, even if it is not in the Dublin Murder Squad series.

I am about to start WITCHMARK by CL Polk (Nebula-nominated for 2018 Best Novel) and will probably read Mary Robinette’s Hugo- and Nebula-nominated THE CALCULATING STARS next.

[Jordan]

I'm finally getting back to The Afterward, which got shelved for a while in favor of audiobooks with due dates. I really love it, although one of the narrators is not my favorite. But, all the lady knights and all the diversity!

Also started Seven Blades in Black and am completely in love with it so far. It's a fantasy western with a really interesting world and some kickass characters.

[Andy]

Gabi wrote: "I read the [Patternmaster] series in published order (4, 2, 1, 3) and was glad I did, because I think the books wouldn't have had the same effect in chronological order. "

I got a couple of chapters into Octavia Butler's Patternmaster series in chronological order (1/2/3/4), but then after re-reading Gabi's comment I've switched to publication order (4/2/1/3). Either way, it's great so far.

I didn't find Butler until a year or two ago—wish I'd read her work sooner.

[Karen]

I've been traveling a lot and have been able to get through most of Into the Drowning Deep. I go back and forth with really, really liking the suspense and the story line but then lose the momentum when the author goes into these drawn out monologues.

Still plugging away at A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe...

My attempt at a classic is The Painted Veil. So far Meh...

[Jacqueline]

Currently somewhere in the middle of the ebook of The Cloud Roads by Martha Wells. It’s not too bad. I started it when I was flying from Italy back to Australia last November but I haven’t been reading many ebooks lately. Haven’t been reading much of anything really. I’ll read some more tomorrow when I’m on the plane going from Townsville to Brisbane. We’ve been spending time with number 2 son and his girlfriend for Easter and we will be attending the Anzac Day Dawn Service with them on his base tomorrow and then flying home. Anzac Day is like Veterans Day that commemorates the landing at Gallipoli in WWI and all Australian action in all wars and that since.

Last year I was devious and gave number 2 son my We Are Legion (We Are Bob) audiobook to listen to on a very long trip to his new posting. He didn’t listen to audiobooks but listened anyway. He commented that the ending was all up in the air to which I replied that it was the first in a trilogy. So anyway he’s got himself an audible account and is currently listening to number 2 in the Bobiverse. He drives half an hour to work every day so he listens then. He’s getting number 3 with his next credit. Yayyy me for getting him into listening to more books.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Karen, i hope your reading picks up!

Jacqueline sooo devious! Well done!

[Jacqueline]

He kept telling me he didn’t have time to read but he worked out if he listens to books he can fit some in after all. And he’s actually reading physical books lately too which is a win too. If I’d known that I would have brought some up with me for him. It’s nice when they remember how much they loved reading.

I’m taking Bob 1 to the eldest tomorrow. He was the reader but has hardly read anything in the last couple of years.

[Tanya]

Thomas wrote: "I have just introduced myself to the Discworld by reading The Colour of Magic, something I should have done a long time ago.

See my review here:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/sh..."

I'm a bit envious that you are only just discovering Discworld, you have so many gems to come, Colour of Magic, while entertaining is far from the best.

[Andy]

Tanya wrote: "I'm a bit envious that you are only just discovering Discworld, you have so many gems to come, Colour of Magic, while entertaining is far from the best."

Hear, hear. Years ago, I started the series on accident. I picked up Going Postal, not realizing is was part of a series. When I finished it, it blew my mind to realize it was the 33rd book.

Pratchett's world is so rich and well-developed, yet the books work well as standalone stories, too. So if a particular book's not grabbing you, IMO it's fine to try another.

[Kathy]

Coming to the end of Golden State. I am really enjoying this. Got off work early so I could go sit outside and read.... and I am off to go sit outside,

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

I LOVE READING OUTSIDE!!!

I'm so excited! Just a couple more degrees and it'll be warm enough for me to read outside and forget how bad it is that it's April and I can read outside!

[Pam]

Read Jim Butcher's Side Jobs: Stories from the Dresden Files and reviewed it - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2794063801.

[Pam]

Read Agatha Christie's The Body in the Library and reviewed it - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2797908035.

[Lost Planet Airman]

Andy wrote: "Tanya wrote: "I'm a bit envious that you are only just discovering Discworld, you have so many gems to come, Colour of Magic, while entertaining is far from the best."

Hear, hear. Years ago, I sta..."

Andy, that's so cute that you think Going Postal was "years ago". REAL years ago, I borrowed the complete Discworld saga from the then-girlfriend, and I had a book for each hand.

[Raucous]

I remember reading The Colour of Magic when it first came out. I didn't have a clue about what was coming. No one really did. I didn't return to Discworld until my spouse independently discovered the books a couple of decades later. I know just when because I remember hearing snickering in the next room. Because of that break I still have a few left to read. I don't want it to end (sigh) and so I've been reluctant to finish them.

I'm torn between DEATH and Tiffany Aching as my favorites in the books. But, really, pretty all of the characters are amazing.

[Raucous]

Since this is the "what else are you reading?" thread I should add that I've been reading Starfarers. It's the only book in my TBR pile from the late (sigh) local legend Vonda N. McIntyre. This is another book from the 80s and it has a deliberate pacing that I remember from that time. For now I'm enjoying that as a change from being dumped into the middle of the action in more contemporary space opera but I'm undecided about continuing past the end of this one (it's the first of a four book series).

[Gabi]

At the moment I'm dragging a bit on all 3 fronts:

as a physical book I read Neuromancer, which is more work than pleasure to read - but I want to tick it for the TBR challenge and the group shelf, so no DNF allowed.

As ebook I started the next group read Semiosis, where apparently my expectations were way too high, so that I set it aside for a while.

On audio I'm listening Leviathan Wakes, since I wanted to try the books after I gave up on the TV series. It's dragging as well (don't know if it's the writing or the fact that I already know the story of the first book, so that there is nothing new for me)

Longingly ogle the next Nightrunner book, where I at least can be sure that I will love the characters.

[Andy]

Mike wrote: "Andy, that's so cute that you think Going Postal was "years ago". REAL years ago, I borrowed the complete Discworld saga from the then-girlfriend, and I had a book for each hand."

I accidentally used the mathematical definition of "years" (more than one). Next time I'll be sure to use the bibliographic definition. 🙂

[YouKneeK]

I finished Sea of Rust by C. Robert Cargill last night. I really enjoyed it. The main character is a robot, Brittle. She does some rotten things, but she was still pretty likeable. The story wasn’t perfect, but it was very good and held my attention well. It’s a little bleak, but it has some fun moments and I really enjoyed the premise. My longer review.

This evening I plan to start Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik.

[Lost Planet Airman]

Andy wrote: "Mike wrote: "Andy, that's so cute that you think Going Postal was "years ago". REAL years ago, I borrowed the complete Discworld saga from the then-girlfriend, and I had a book for each hand."

I a..."

Given Sir Terry's output, it is an easy trap to be lulled into!

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

So far my spur of the moment audiobook splurge is going really well!

Rocannon's World was classic UKLG, though not as polished as her later work, IMO.

Dreamsnake was surprisingly good!! You all hit the nail on the head, I did like this immensely.

And Penric's Demon was indeed fun. I will be continuing this series :)

[Anna]

Yeesss, I’m so happy you liked Penric!

[David]

*whew*

I'm guessing you'd like Bujold's later work more than her earlier work in general. It's too bad that "later work" in the Vorkosigan books doesn't start until about 15 books in :/

[HeyT]

So I've discovered I have a tendency to read on in urban fantasy despite finding the first book mediocre which is why I'm now listening to A Fistful of Fire. I was like why am I here and then I realized that it has become a habit because I actually finished most of the weather warden books which seriously jumped the shark while also finishing most of the Alien books by Gini Koch and like idk why I do this to myself. I feel like someone needs to make a banner and call an intervention on my self-destructive reading habits.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

David wrote: "*whew*

I'm guessing you'd like Bujold's later work more than her earlier work in general. It's too bad that "later work" in the Vorkosigan books doesn't start until about 15 books in :/"

Oh jeebs! That's quite a wait! I'll finish Penric, and then I'll see how I feel about meeting Miles, deal?

HeyT wrote: "So I've discovered I have a tendency to read on in urban fantasy despite finding the first book mediocre which is why I'm now listening to A Fistful of Fire. I was like why am I her..."

Haha! We should definitely have a "talk me down/lift me up" thread for when series get weird!

[Sarah]

HeyT wrote: " I feel like someone needs to make a banner and call an intervention on my self-destructive reading habits..."

I have thought this exact same thing many, many times. Not about continuing series I don’t love- mostly about learning when I need to DNF.

[Michele]

MadProfessah wrote: "I love Tana French. I think she’s the best British mystery author currently writing."

I liked her first book, right up until the end when I was like, "Wait, what? That's it??" and then I was annoyed.

[Michele]

Allison wrote: "I LOVE READING OUTSIDE!!!"

I have a hammock. Nyah, nyah, nyah ;)

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Michele wrote: "Allison wrote: "I LOVE READING OUTSIDE!!!"

I have a hammock. Nyah, nyah, nyah ;)"

You all heard Michele invite me to stay for the summer, right? ;-)

[Sabrina]

I haven’t updated in a while. Recently, I’ve read the new duology from Laini Taylor Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmares which I really enjoyed due to the author’s artful writing and imaginative worldbuilding.

I also read the whole Greatcoat quartet starting with Traitor's Blade: a swashbuckling adventure that entertained me immensely.

And I finally managed to finish the third book in the Malazan series Memories of Ice and am so relieved to finally give up – sorry to all hard-core fans, but this just drove me insane.

Now on to the next group read: Spinning Silver

[Sarah]

I love the Greatcoats! If you haven’t read his other series, Spellslinger, that one is worth reading too.

[Trike]

Michele wrote: "Allison wrote: "I LOVE READING OUTSIDE!!!"

I have a hammock. Nyah, nyah, nyah ;)"

Meh. Gliders are where it’s at, sister.

[Sabrina]

Sarah wrote: "I love the Greatcoats! If you haven’t read his other series, Spellslinger, that one is worth reading too."

I put Spellslinger in my TBR after finishing the Greatcoats, so I’m glad to hear that!

[Trike]

Sabrina wrote: "Now on to the next group read: Spinning Silver"

I just started Spinning Silver last night. Three chapters in and it’s all pretty good so far, but it’s been all set-up.

Finished the 800-page Bookburners: The Complete Season 2 which was a solid entry. I am amazed that numerous authors can turn in short stories which create a cohesive whole novel. It was more episodic than the first volume, but still good. I am impressed by whoever at Serial Box is managing these books. It’s gotta be like herding cats.

I’ve now listened to 6 of the Vorkosigan saga novels by Lois McMaster Bujold, which has been an enjoyable adventure.