What are you reading?......

[Ley]

The master magician is not great, as the series has gone on it's got more annoying. Not sure why I'm sticking with it. the Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey series, which begins with Elvenbane, is pretty good, those are two really good writers and I'm enjoying it.

[Janet]

Thank you!!! Shall check them out right away.

[DrMama]

Ian wrote: "I can't quite believe I'm saying this but I'm reading my first ever Isabel Allende novel - how have I not read her before? My choice? Her latest book A Long Petal of the Sea 100 pag..."

Ian wrote: "I can't quite believe I'm saying this but I'm reading my first ever Isabel Allende novel - how have I not read her before? My choice? Her latest book A Long Petal of the Sea 100 pag..."

I've just read a recent Salley Vickers novel: 'The Librarian'. It was our Devon Libraries' 'Reading Group' book .. and definitely not one chosen by the Group. It was pretty dire ... a feeble Enid Blyton ... meets a failed Mills & Boon? I won't say anymore, but other members have agreed so far.
Maybe this is some kind of penance we have to go through before they will send us Middlemarch...

[Ian]

DrMama wrote: "Ian wrote: "I can't quite believe I'm saying this but I'm reading my first ever Isabel Allende novel - how have I not read her before? My choice? Her latest book A Long Petal of the Sea but didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped, I'm reading Shuggie Bain DK , which I cant praise enough (it is wonderful) and I recently also really enjoyed The Watchmaker of Filigree Street

[Carol]

Have just finished Camara Laye's The African Child. A very moving autobiographical account. It was written in 1954 when Camara Laye was studying in France. He wanted to stay where he was in Africa but knew his education would take him far away.

[Ayena]

Hello guys I’m new on here and I’m young what book can I read to achieve my goals to be a success man, I’m a comedian

[DrMama]

Hi Ayena, and 'welcome' to Devon 'Goodreads' ... I'm sure Ian (our co-ordinator and the instigator of this 'DevGoodread' site) will be on here soon to say 'Hello'.
As I'm old-ish - and hopeless at anything to do with comedy - I may not be the best for advice on Comedy... Watch the best comedians - as much as you can - and maybe read their books / autobiogs??? As well as checking out any funny, wonderful books, of course. Good luck, Carole aka DrMama.

[Ayena]

Thank you dr mama I really appreciate

[Ian]

Carol wrote: "Have just finished Camara Laye's The African Child. A very moving autobiographical account. It was written in 1954 when Camara Laye was studying in France. He wanted to stay where he was in Africa ..."

Sounds good Carol - I don't know of him. What is he known for?

[Ian]

Ayena wrote: "Hello guys I’m new on here and I’m young what book can I read to achieve my goals to be a success man, I’m a comedian"

Hi Ayena - and welcome. To clarify - are you looking for books to drive success in life generally - or specifically in comedy? I can ask our community for suggestions.

Also, if you are on Twitter or Facebook, come and find us there. Lots of great contacts with all types of writers and readers there too.

Ian

[Ayena]

Yes I’m on Facebook and I’m on Twitter I will be okay with the specifically in comedy, how can I get to them on Facebook and Twitter

[Ian]

Ayena wrote: "Yes I’m on Facebook and I’m on Twitter I will be okay with the specifically in comedy, how can I get to them on Facebook and Twitter"

Facebook is @devonbookclub
Twitter is @BookDevon

I'm still not completely sure what you are looking for. Do you mean books about being a comedian?

[Karen]

I've just finished reading Fingersmith - great storytelling. Really enjoyed it with its villains and twists and turns.

[Karen]

Once Upon a River - a fabulous tale. Pure escapism - part magical and historical fiction. I was really interested to find out that the photographer in the story who develops his photographs on his boat in a dark room onto glass plates is based on a real person, called Henry Taunt.

I read this on BorrowBox, but really wished I had the book. At times I felt the need to flick back a couple of pages there are a lot of characters.

[Ian]

Karen wrote: "I've just finished reading Fingersmith - great storytelling. Really enjoyed it with its villains and twists and turns."

It is a fabulous book. I also listened recently to Sarah Waters' The Nightwatchman - which I also loved. She's a great writer

[Ian]

Karen wrote: "Once Upon a River - a fabulous tale. Pure escapism - part magical and historical fiction. I was really interested to find out that the photographer in the story who develops his pho..."

I read that last year - had mixed feelings to be honest but overall enjoyed it. Thought the writing could have been tighter in places

[Ian]

I've just started The Discovery of Heaven, which I bought in Amsterdam. The author is a well known Dutch writer. Very quirky but has me hooked. A big book at over 750 pages but think I'll fly through it

[Cynthea]

I bought a novel by Stephanie Austin while attending an evening in Ashburton, supported by Devon Book Club and Gnash Comics. I've nearly finished 'The Dartmoor Murders' ( her latest work) and have to say I've really enjoyed it. It's not my usual genre of literature, but its light, easy to read and amusing. Well done Stephanie.

[DrMama]

Ian wrote: "Karen wrote: "I've just finished reading Fingersmith - great storytelling. Really enjoyed it with its villains and twists and turns."

It is a fabulous book. I also listened recently..."

I loved this too! I've read several, although I have not kept up with her work. Must check what I 've got and what Kingsbridge Library/Devon Libraries have!!
NB: Support 'Libraries Unlimited!!' I would not have got through 'Lockdown' without all the books that wonderful 'LU' sent my way via Kingsbridge Library... Plus a huge 'thank you' to Jane and Harbour bookshop!

[Ian]

Just starting Don Quixote - see you on the other side :)

[Ley]

good luck, that's one of the books I feel I should read,finally got through Les Miserables a while ago so time for another classic soon. I'm reading an Andre Norton series on Kindle at the moment and have indulged myself in fantasy a lot lately. Just finished The little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules. I think the translation is a bit clunky.

[DrMama]

My major... "I will read this - this time - I promise!' book is 'Moby Dick'. I had a few false starts, where I had to go back and reread again, just to get into the mood; but after a while all was going well. I got about half-way, then... wonderful Kingsbridge Library and the rest of 'Libraries Unlimited' opened!! Plus, inter-library loans (which always make-up the bulk of my borrowings) were free, so my borrowing went berserk!! Unfortunately, everyone else was doing the same, so I spent most of my time rapidly reading 4 to 8 books per 3 weeks... and 'MB' was completely forgotten. However, I should get back to 'MB', soon, as life opens up and my library 'habit' returns to normal. Elif Shafak was a big discovery for me, while many 'much praised' works - such as 'Vernon Subutex' - bit the dust about 1/3 of the way through!

[Ian]

Ley wrote: "good luck, that's one of the books I feel I should read,finally got through Les Miserables a while ago so time for another classic soon. I'm reading an Andre Norton series on Kindle at the moment a..."

I loved Les Mis - read it at the end of last year (Autumn seems the time for long books). Don Quixote is remarkable. Love it. Don't know Andre Norton - what does he write?

[Ian]

DrMama wrote: "My major... "I will read this - this time - I promise!' book is 'Moby Dick'. I had a few false starts, where I had to go back and reread again, just to get into the mood; but after a while all was ..."

Elif Shafak is one of my favourite writers, although I enjoyed her latest a bit less than her others. Moby Dick I read but didn't enjoy. Got bored I'm afraid

[Cynthea]

I've just finished 'Such a Fun Age', Kiley Reid, the book selected by the Exeter Book Club. It was an excellent book to choose as there was plenty to talk about. It started well- giving off young, lively vibes, but very quickly I became disappointed. The characters are not well rounded and the plot is a lot of fuss about nothing.

When I bought it, it was number 23 in the top 50 paperbacks. I felt it was another novel that had been hyped up by the media because of the sexual content and the thought about racism in the USA.

I only gave it two stars.

[Ian]

Cynthea wrote: "I've just finished 'Such a Fun Age', Kiley Reid, the book selected by the Exeter Book Club. It was an excellent book to choose as there was plenty to talk about. It started well- giving off young, ..."

Always a shame when a much anticipated book doesn't deliver what you hope for. I remain captivated by Don Quixote - a little over one third of the way through. Absolutely love it.

[DrMama]

I am just re-reading The Discomfort of Evening by Marieke Lucas Rijneveld. It won the 'Booker International' in 2020. When I first read it I wasn't overwhelmed, but the reread for 'Kingsbridge Library Reading Group' is proving a revelation. I am seeing so much that I missed - or didn't understand ... or didn't appreciate the significance of - at my first reading, and I now fully understand why it won. It is so layered and so subtle, as well as being an introduction to such a strange but existing lifestyle. Definitely 5 stars!

[DrMama]

Where am I supposed to make a note of the books I have read in 2021? I know I have read about 50+ so far, but I have not posted about most of them, yet I cannot work out where - on the many different strands - I am supposed to list them!!!

[Ian]

you go on My Books and enter them

[Karen]

I'm reading A Passage North set in Sri Lanka after the war. It's the first Sri Lankan novel I've read that has been written since the war ended. It's a contemplative novel, with elements of recent history that are shocking. I remember watching channel 4 news and being horrified by what I was hearing and seeing. He doesn't dwell on the horrors, but you get a real sense of what happened there (and since I left there). His writing is philosophical. I thought his descriptions of Krishan's grandma and her ageing process were brilliant. I keep forgetting it's a novel. It feels like I'm reading his memoir.

He writes with long paragraphs which it took a while to get used to, and I found his chapters on Krishan's romance a bit drawn out, but overall it's a really interesting and different read. I'm looking forward to reading his other novel The Story of a Brief Marriage

[J.G.]

Does anyone else enjoy Guy Gavriel Kay's historical fantasy? I have recently finished 'Children of Earth and Sky' which combines a fictionalised version of the history of Venice and Constantinople with a compelling, exciting, and at times heart-rending story of a variety of poeple caught up in events beyond their control. GG Kay is one of the few authors these days who can totally draw me into another world. Suspending disbelief - meaningful escapism if you like.Guy Gavriel Kay

[Ley]

I love his work, started with the four seasons books, Summer tree etc.

[J.G.]

Ley wrote: "I love his work, started with the four seasons books, Summer tree etc."

I have to read his books in print. Feels like old-fashioned reading, when you could escape into another world and there was time to ponder certain paragraphs, or flip back to check details. Ebooks are great and easy on the eye but for me they are still little computers.

[Ian]

Karen wrote: "I'm reading A Passage North set in Sri Lanka after the war. It's the first Sri Lankan novel I've read that has been written since the war ended. It's a contemplative novel, with ele..."

[Ian]

Ian wrote: "Karen wrote: "I'm reading A Passage North set in Sri Lanka after the war. It's the first Sri Lankan novel I've read that has been written since the war ended. It's a contemplative n..."

I like the sound of that Karen - one for my list

[Ian]

J.G. wrote: "Does anyone else enjoy Guy Gavriel Kay's historical fantasy? I have recently finished 'Children of Earth and Sky' which combines a fictionalised version of the history of Venice and Constantinople ..."

Hi Jane - I've not heard of him before but will have a look. Thanks for the tip

[Ley]

I mostly read real books, bought those years ago when they were published. Still sitting on my shelf.

[DrMama]

The Discomfort of Evening, by Marieke Lucas Rijneveld|, is one of those awful/wonderful novels that needed to be written and needs to be read. It describes life (c. 2001) in a farming family, in a remote part of the Netherlands. Locals belong to a rigid faith, where support and fellowship seem absent and the novel follows a bereaved family's breakdown, as grief, lack of support and historic calamities take their toll. The eldest daughter blames herself, with the story from her pov, as grief, isolation and lack of support take their toll. It's not a fun read and it wobbles - a lot - in places (too much childish scatalogical stuff?) but it is a coruscating account of lack of understanding & support, perversion of faith and how not to be a good friend/teacher/ neighbour/pastor/GP/vet.

[Ley]

wow that sound a heavy read.

[DrMama]

It is, was, but I still think it's a 'good read'. I don't think 'good reads' need to be nice and fluffy with happy endings.
I learned a lot, from this book, but especially about isolated (religious/calvinist??) communities about 20+years ago, where no one knows how to help or reach out.
Most of my best 'good-reads' are challenging: George Eliot, Conrad, Richard Powers, George Saunders, Ali Smith and often lack happy endings: Nadeem Aslam, Rohinton Mistry... but I learn from all and they are eminently re-readable, not that I get much time for that. Happy reading!

[Karen]

Has anyone read The Heat of the Day? I seem to think it must have been recommended to me, so I keep reading, but my mind wanders. It was written during the Second World War and as such gives good insight into living through those war years of careless talk costs lives and not knowing who to trust. Stella is confronted with the problem of not knowing if the man she has been in a two year relationship with is a spy, or whether the person telling her this is not to be trusted.

There is a section describing the dead - the missing face from the news vendor stall, the bus or train lighter by a single person - it was brilliantly written, really evocative...strangers saying 'goodnight and good luck'.

However, overall though I'm finding it very hard to read and I think I might have to give it up.

[DrMama]

Karen wrote: "Has anyone read The Heat of the Day? I seem to think it must have been recommended to me, so I keep reading, but my mind wanders. It was written during the Second World War and as suc..."
I read it decades ago for a Uni course, and then again... years ago. I know I thought it was wonderful, and the bits you quote make me want to reread it. However, I have to admit I cannot remember much = age, plus just too many books read since - but EB has a very good reputation and had several other books published. I've got them, just not 'The H of the D' !
I would try to stick with it, I hate giving up on a book and usually end up loving tougher works, all the more, for the demands they make of us!

[Ley]

I agree not all good reads need happy endings and fluffy stories, that's why I joined a real life book group to challenge myself a bit more. I do enjoy stories that offer an escape from modern life though, especially at the moment.

[DrMama]

Yes, Rdg Grps can be amazing. The Kingsbridge Library one is wonderful, and we kept going over lockdown: first via emails, then on Zoom. At first we were just sharing any books we'd read with each other, but as soon as things unlocked a little and the Library was open, we got back to 'Group Books' via zoom (although not always ones we would have chosen). Now it is perfect to be back in the Library together again!

[Karen]

DrMama wrote: "Karen wrote: "Has anyone read The Heat of the Day? I seem to think it must have been recommended to me, so I keep reading, but my mind wanders. It was written during the Second World ..."

It's got great reviews and I should stick with it, but after reaching page 176, it's going back to the library - I'll try it another time. I can tell it's a good book and really well written, but just can't get through it at the moment.

[DrMama]

Yes, that happens all the time. I find it best to read something completely different, and then try the one you couldn't finish later on. Maybe when the mood feels right, or another similar-ish book - or a friend's suggestion - leads you back to it. Mind you, 'Reading Groups' are good for gently pushing us to read 'other' types of books. There's so much I would never have read if it hadn't been for the Library Reading Group.

[Ley]

just read Autumn by Ali Smith, found it fragmentary and in places trying to be too clever. Not inspired to read the others in the series.

[Ian]

Ley wrote: "just read Autumn by Ali Smith, found it fragmentary and in places trying to be too clever. Not inspired to read the others in the series."

Hi Ley. That's disappointing. Its had such great reviews.

What's up next?

[Ley]

Several Christmas presents to read, particularly, The Galaxy and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers and at least 5 more.

[DrMama]

Ley wrote: "just read Autumn by Ali Smith, found it fragmentary and in places trying to be too clever. Not inspired to read the others in the series."
I really enjoyed 'Summer' and keep meaning to read the others. I generally adore her work, and have found that I have to let go of the 'clever' idea and just accept that she/it/they are.