What I'm Reading OCTOBER 2014

[Frank]

Well john it's a very easy read it was a best seller so we'll see where I stand a few days from now

[Kat]

Ann wrote: "Mary,
To each his own. I also really liked The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, as did the rest of the members of my in-person book club."

I wasn't a fan of this one, though it was an easy read. I more or less agree with Nicole--how I would put it is that it seemed mostly fluffy with some inappropriately serious parts. But I could see why many people liked it.

Has anyone read The Leopard, by Lampedusa? Impressions? I'm thinking of giving it a try.

[Sue]

Cateline wrote: "Sue wrote: "Cateline wrote: "I've picked up a Shirley Ann Grau book, The Condor Passes. Atmospheric, and interesting."

I read her [book:The Keepers of the House|2669..."

I liked that one Cateline. It's the only one of O'Brien's books I've read. We had a great discussion at the library after reading it.

[Ruth]

Kat wrote: "Ann wrote: "Mary,
To each his own. I also really liked The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, as did the rest of the members of my in-person book club."

I wasn't a fan o..."

I love The Leopard. And it takes place in a place based on the little Sicilian town where my father was born.

[Sue]

I definitely plan to read The Leopard, Ruth and that's interesting about your father.

[Sherry, Doyenne]

We read the Leopard a while back on Classics. Here's a link to our discussion: http://constantreader.com/discussions...

[Ann D]

Frank,
Count me among the readers who really enjoyed The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. It is now a successful London and Broadway play. The reviews have been outstanding. I'd love to see it.

[Ann D]

I recently finished Little Failure, a memoir by Gary Shteyngart. Shteyngart writes the kind of dark comedies that I have had difficulty getting through in the past; in spite of the great reviews, I didn't finish The Russian Debutante's Handbook or Absurdistan.

However, I loved this memoir of Shteyngart and his Jewish-Russian emigre family, who moved from the Soviet Union to the United States.

This book had a lot of things that particularly appealed to me. I have a strong interest in the Soviet Union, immigrant literature, witty narratives, and psychological explorations of the parent child relationship. The author's humor encloses a lot of pain. For me, it was a 5 star.

[Frank]

Ann,
Actually the reason I decided to read the book was because I was listening to NPR and heard them discussing the play and it seemed very intriguing so I said "well let's give it a whirl."
Frank

[Frank]

I realize this is not the place to recommend a book however during the summer I read The Most Dangerous Book the battle for James Joyce's Ulysses It loved it and however it didn't evaluate the book instead it dealt with the struggle to get it printed. Very well researched and even though it was nonfiction it read like a gripping novel. I loved discovering so many details about the bookshop Shakespeare and Company. You don't have to be a fan of Joyce or the novel to enjoy this debut work by Kevin Birmingham.

[Gina]

Mary wrote: "I felt it was a book about the resilience of the human spirit. I thought it captured ideas of loyalty, love, courage, and boldness which really only become evident in the context of their opposites..."

I thought so too. There were "fun" parts but also Shaffer created serious issues to deal with. To me, that is life. Great book.

[Sue]

Frank wrote: "I realize this is not the place to recommend a book however during the summer I read The Most Dangerous Book the battle for James Joyce's Ulysses It loved it and however it didn't evaluate the book..."

Frank, feel free to recommend books here. I do it as do others, all the time.
I have The Most Dangerous Book on my list and am glad to hear how much you enjoyed reading it.

[John]

While we're recommending books, thought I'd throw out The Impersonator for those interested in historical fiction (1920's).

[Ruth]

Nor I

[Matthew]

I just finished reading Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell and Pat Robinson last night, a very fascinating and action-packed story for ppl who are into the non-fiction military genre. I thought it was really well written by an excellent author and the man (Navy Seal) who survived the week-long ordeal in the Hindu Kush. I would def recommend this book even if you are not a war/military buff. I am also half way through reading Sanctus by Simon Toyne an probably going to start reading The Bone Chamber by Robyn Burcell soon

[Sue]

John wrote: "While we're recommending books, thought I'd throw out The Impersonator for those interested in historical fiction (1920's)."

I added it.

[Book Concierge]

Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman – 3***
This is a memoir of the author’s time as a prisoner at the Women’s Federal Correction Facility on a drug charge. I wasn’t eager to read it and the first chapter almost made me pull the plug, but once she started detailing her life at Danbury the narrative grew on me. What really redeemed the book was Kerman’s depiction of the women she met at Danbury. Despite their limited education, and criminal records they were generous and kind to “the new girl.” Mostly, they taught her to face her past and become accountable for her own role in winding up in prison. Cassandra Campbell does a fine job performing the audiobook.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Ruth]

I just finished The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. I started out thinking this is a story about an immigrant family adjusting to life in the US. It is that but so much more! When asked "What is in a name?" Lahiri may well answer "EVERYTHING." Did anyone else find the story too predictable?

[Portia]

Book Concierge wrote: " Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman – 3***
This is a memoir of the author’s time as a prisoner at the Women’s Federal Correction Facility on a drug..."

Glad to hear someone other than Piper Kerman narrated the book. When she was on The Diane Rehm Show On NPR, her "up talking" annoyed me so much that I had to turn her off. Your review, BC, has made me at least interested in the book. Thanks

[Gina]

Ruth wrote: "I just finished The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. I started out thinking this is a story about an immigrant family adjusting to life in the US. It is that but so much more! When asked "What is in a..."

There was also a movie, The Namesake, made in 2006 that you might enjoy.

[Gina]

Book Concierge wrote: " Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman – 3***
This is a memoir of the author’s time as a prisoner at the Women’s Federal Correction Facility on a drug..."

Funny, I watched the first episode on Netflix and decided it was not for me. Maybe it's just the beginning that's so annoying. I'll try again and read it too.

[Book Concierge]

Portia wrote: "Glad to hear someone other than Piper Kerman narrated the book. When she was on The Diane Rehm Show On NPR, her "up talking" annoyed me so..."

Oh My Stars ... annoying as all get out. If I were the judge and she "up talked" I'd have added an extra year to yer sentence ...

[Ruth]

Gina wrote: "Ruth wrote: "I just finished The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. I started out thinking this is a story about an immigrant family adjusting to life in the US. It is that but so much more! When asked ..."

I will do that. Thanks, Gina.

[Mary Anne]

I'm reading The Sound of Things Falling by Juan Gabriel Vasquez, and finding it excellent so far.

[Sue]

I just finished an Icelandic fable/fiction/fantasy which I really enjoyed, The Blue Fox. It's actually a novella and set late in the 19th century. Recommended.

[Rebecca]

The Farm by Tom Rob Smith
I had expected to be disappointed with this book. I thought that it would be another awful book-but will make a great movie, such as in 'Gone Girl.' But the book gripped me from the beginning to the end. I wont say more as I don't want to give the ending away, all I can say it is worth the money.

Flight of the Sparrow by Amy Belding Brown
This is another one I really enjoyed in that I know next to nothing about early America, so the book drew me in with the storyline and also educated me along the way. I also enjoyed the fact that the author stayed away from sentimental romance and instead focussed on the strengths and weaknesses of each character and the real tribulations they faced. It is based on a true story which the author has written with great authenticity. It is a really good read and I loved it.

The Kings Curse by Philippa Gregory
I bought this book with great trepidation, so was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Philippa Gregory has saved the best till last in her cousins series. But it isn't without fault, but then again, what book is absolutely perfect? This one has the typical repetitive fillers, but I could overlook this as the author really brought Margaret Pole to life and her tragic family. Is it absolutely without error? No. It is instead a good entertaining read and not a biography of Margaret Pole. I enjoyed it for what it is.

And now onwards to find another book to begin. Bliss!

[Mary]

Mary Anne, I'm so glad you're enjoying The Sound of Things Falling. I loved that book!

I've just started my second Isabel Allende book. This time it's Daughter of Fortune. It grabbed me right away so I think I will enjoy it.

I'm also reading Brands' Traitor to his Class, a book about FDR. I appreciate his style - very readable.

[Gina]

Mary Anne wrote: "I'm reading The Sound of Things Falling by Juan Gabriel Vasquez, and finding it excellent so far."

I really loved that book, too. So many books to choose from, aren't there?

[Gina]

I tried to read Palace Council by Stephen L. Carter. The mystery just went on and on. Halfway through I got tired and quit. I listened to it on audio - there were 18 tapes total. I usually don't give up on a book, but there was no payoff for me.

[Book Concierge]

Away by Amy Bloom – 3.5***
Lillian Leyb escapes Russia when her family is killed in a pogrom. Alone in America and determined to succeed, she learns to use others as she, herself, is being used. Once she hears that her daughter may have survived, she sets out on an epic odyssey from New York’s Lower East Side to Seattle and Alaska en route to Siberia. She endures setbacks that would break a weaker person, and encounters a host of colorful characters who are richly drawn. The story isn’t always linear, so even though Barbara Rosenblatt does a marvelous job of narrating the audio book, I’d recommend reading rather than listening.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Book Concierge]

Notes on a Scandal by Zoe Heller – 4****
Originally titled What Was She Thinking. Barbara narrates as she records her observations of her friend and fellow-teacher’s affair with an underaged male student. Sheba is obsessed with the affair, emotionally stressed and not thinking straight. But the reader slowly becomes aware that Barbara is also emotionally damaged- equally obsessed with her friendship with Sheba and jealous of Sheba’s relationships with others. What Barbara reveals about herself in recording Sheba’s story is more subtle and interesting than the story she is trying to tell. She is dangerous woman to have as a “friend.”
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Ruth]

Book Concierge wrote: " Notes on a Scandal by Zoe Heller – 4****
Originally titled What Was She Thinking. Barbara narrates as she records her observations of her friend and fellow..."

Seems to me I remember seeing a movie based on this book.

[Cateline]

Yup, Judi Dench played the role.

Rebecca, I have The Farm on the nearest TBR stack. Thanks for the good vote. :)

[Greer]

Haven't read What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal but I thought the movie was very good (can't say I "enjoyed it" as it was disturbing - but very well done).

[Ruth]

Cateline wrote: "Yup, Judi Dench played the role.)"

That's it.

[Ruth]

Greer wrote: "Haven't read What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal but I thought the movie was very good (can't say I "enjoyed it" as it was disturbing - but very well done)."

Yes it was.

[Frank]

I finished The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and the novel clearly failed as a mystery and the ending was extremely predictable however these flaws don't detract from how well Mark Haddon depicted dealing with Christopher's disability
Haddon masterfully demonstrates how the disability effects Christopher's life with his mother, his father and just how troubling life is for the caretakers of a disabled. The inability to deal with the disability causes his parents to separate, tell numerous lies and ultimately destroy his mothers new relationship.
Haddon caused me to cringe depicting Christopher dealing with the simplest of tasks however he Christopher successfully conquers some of his demons and is able to reach his mother in London
I'm about to begin Bad Feminist, a collection of essays by Roxanne Gay and I have the novel The Ploughmen by Kim Zuppan in the mail I'm really looking forward to both of these books.

[Connie]

Frank wrote: "I finished The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and the novel clearly failed as a mystery and the ending was extremely predictable however these flaws don't detract from how well Mark ..."

Totally agree with your critique on The Curious Incident. I read it a few months back and think to term it a mystery is misleading but what insight was provided...a unexpected, emphathetic surprise.

[Kat]

Greer wrote: "Haven't read What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal but I thought the movie was very good (can't say I "enjoyed it" as it was disturbing - but very well done)."

I wasn't crazy about the film in spite of terrific performances, because it seemed very unforgiving to the characters, but since reading Heller's The Believers, which I liked a lot, I've thought of trying the novel to see if it shows a bit more compassion. I read an interview with Heller in which the interviewer said she was famous for creating unlikeable characters. Heller seemed a little affronted and said, "Well I like them."

[Frank]

Ruth/Cateline is there role where Judi Dench is less than perfect? How great was she in Shakespeare in Love? Of course I can say that for any of her roles. Judi Dench was in the film version of one of my favorite plays of all time 84 Charring Cross Rd.

[Cateline]

Wait, it was Anne Bancroft in the film, yes? Was there another version?

I was first introduced to Dench in one of her Brit series...As Time Goes By. It truly hit home with me, and she absolutely bowled me over. :)

[Geoff]

Antonio Molina Munoz, The Sepharad--5 stars. Really amazing 'big' book about the disaspora of Spanish Jews before and during World War II. It felt, in places, like more fully fleshed out Sebald--the same obsession with the historical layers of places, the value of human life in the fact of human atrocity, our perception of time. A new favorite.

[Frank]

That's the film Cateline and Dench played Anthony Hopkins' wife. And yes Time Goes By continues to run on our PBS station

[Kat]

I'm reading Stoner right now--an academic novel set in the midwest. It spans a period of years, beginning not long before WWI. Interesting so far, though I haven't yet seen what the critics who rave about it see.

[Lyn]

Just finished We Are Not Ourselves. I had high hopes for it, having read that it covered most of the generations I've been alive in. But, it entirely skipped any of my experiences over those decades, and though the writing flowed, the main character seemed to be chiefly concerned with image and was unaffected by any of the 60s culture, so there wasn't much to personally relate to, and finishing the novel was a test of my famed persistence. As the book wrapped up though and talked of fathers (and dealt with the effects of one's life and death on offspring), I found myself having some deep and genuine feelings about my own father.

[Sherry, Doyenne]

Kat wrote: "I'm reading Stoner right now--an academic novel set in the midwest. It spans a period of years, beginning not long before WWI. Interesting so far, though I haven't yet seen what the c..."

We had a very good discussion of Stoner just a few months ago, Kat. You might be interested in reading it. Feel free to add any of your own comments. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Rebecca]

Cateline wrote: "Yup, Judi Dench played the role.

Rebecca, I have The Farm on the nearest TBR stack. Thanks for the good vote. :)"

You're most welcome. I picked it up thinking is this another morose, grim, 'can't smile if I tried' murder mystery based in Sweden. No, it isn't-it is much more than that. I really enjoyed it and hope you will too.:)

I also count Notes on a Scandal as one of my favourite books by Zoe Heller and thought the movie did well as it is not a 'feel good' film. Judi Dench played against type and I still think she should have won an Oscar for her performance as Barbara Covett.

[Mary]

Geoff, were you able to get Munoz's Sepharad in an English translation? My search only returned the Spanish version.

[Portia]

Kat wrote: "I'm reading Stoner right now--an academic novel set in the midwest. It spans a period of years, beginning not long before WWI. Interesting so far, though I haven't yet seen what the c..."

Another group I belonged to had a discussion of Stoner about 18 months ago. I was never able to warm up to the main character and my opinion was not popular with the rest of the group. I'll be interested in your final opinion, Kat.

[Book Concierge]

I've never seen the movie of Notes on a Scandal but I love both Judy Dench and Cate Blanchet ... I'll have to look for it.