What books are you reading now? (2020) Showing 301-350 of 2,222

[Chrissie]

I have completed The Wisdom of Donkeys: Finding Tranquility in a Chaotic World by Andy Merrifield. I liked learning about donkeys, but I didn't like all aspects of it. I like a donkey's temperament a lot, and this I discovered through the book.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I have begun Under Western Eyes by Joseph Conrad.

[Chrissie]

I found Under Western Eyes by Joseph Conrad hard to follow.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Now I have begun Ruined City by Nevil Shute. Usually his books are relatively easy to follow, which will be a relief after Under Western Eyes.

[Chrissie]

I have completed Ruined City by Nevil Shute. If Shute's way of writing appeals to you, I am pretty sure you will like this novel too, It is set in England during the Depression.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I have begun Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart by Tim Butcher. The author reads the audiobook himself, at an extremely rapid speed. There is lots of interesting information provided; I hope he slows down. The speed is a shock after the calm pace of my last audiobook.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Yesterday I started Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach. Yeah, when I first saw others reading it a few years ago, I said "eewww" too. But several members of my real life book club have read it recently, and the more I heard them talk about, the more it interested me. They said the author was occasionally funny. How could that be? Well, she is. And she makes it clear she isn't talking about your Aunt Agatha in the ground. These are cadavers being used for scientific purposes.

[Chrissie]

I am readingDr. Wortle's School by Anthony Trollope. This author has shown me that Victorian literature can work for me. I'll take Trollope any day over Dickens.

I have completed Tim Butcher's Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart. I liked it a lot-- particularly for its historical information.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Chrissie wrote: "I am readingDr. Wortle's School by Anthony Trollope. This author has shown me that Victorian literature can work for me. I'll take Trollope any day over Dickens."

Yay! I love Anthony Trollope.

[Nigeyb]

One of my Dad's all time faves - Trollope and Churchill always make me think of my old man

[Jan C]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Yesterday I started Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach. Yeah, when I first saw others reading it a few years ago, I said "eewww" too. But several me..."

I have a RL/GR friend who gave it 5 stars. I didn't see a review for her so maybe I am also recalling an actual discussion about the book.

[Tania]

I've started two books today, Decline and Fall by Evelyn Waugh and Expiation by Elizabeth von Arnim. Both very good so far, but in very different ways.

[Lynaia]

I read Expiation a couple of months ago. I quite enjoyed it. I like several of Elizabeth Von Arnim’s books.

[Chrissie]

I have completed and reviewed Dr. Wortle's School by Anthony Trollope. It's sweet and cute.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I have begun John James Audubon: The Nature of the American Woodsman by Gregory Nobles. Hope it turns out to be good.

[Susan]

Finished, and loved, Victory in the Kitchen: The Life of Churchill's Cook

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sue]

Chrissie wrote: "I'll take Trollope any day over Dickens...."

That's interesting Chrissie. I've got several Trollope books but haven't read one yet. I tend to find Dickens a bit heavy-going and had thought Trollope was similar.

Perhaps I should give one a go!

[Jill]

Sue wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "I'll take Trollope any day over Dickens...."

That's interesting Chrissie. I've got several Trollope books but haven't read one yet. I tend to find Dickens a bit heavy-going and ha..."
We read a lot of Dickens at school but I have not tried Trollope. I was under the impression he was hard going.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Trollope's writing style is nothing like Dickens and much better in my opinion. But if you're not especially interested in 19th Century prose, Trollope won't be an improvement for you. His novels tend toward the long side, with most being more than 600 pages, and not a few in the 800+ category, His characterizations are superb. He is sometimes funny. I'm hard-pressed to think of one without a love interest. I think the majority have a fox-hunting scene. All in all, he gives a good representation of 19th Century middle class life. Of the more than 35 of his novels I've read, only his Palliser series represents the monied class.

He has two series: Barsetshire and Palliser. I read them in order and appreciated seeing the characters over the 6 books of each. Any of them could be read as a standalone, but I think you'd be missing something by doing so. On the other hand, if you know ahead of time you don't want to read the series, you couldn't miss with his Dr. Thorne as being one of his best novels of all time and from the Barsetshire series. My favorite of the Palliser series is the conclusion, The Duke's Children.

My first read of Trollope was The Way We Live Now and it made me a fan. Though at the time I gave it only 4 stars, there are scenes I can still visualize.

[Chrissie]

I highly recommend John James Audubon: The Nature of the American Woodsman by Gregory Nobles.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I have begun The Ladybird by D.H. Lawrence. This and Love Among the Haystacks are sold together in one audiobook. When I have completed the first novella I will go on to the second.

[Chrissie]

Sue and JIll, Elizabeth did a great job of describing Trollope. He does have some less lengthy novels--Dr. Wortle's School is one example. This could be a good place to start, to check if the writing appeals to you.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

While I did enjoy Dr. Whortle's school, I honestly don't think it is the best place to start. My Review.

If you want to keep to under 500 pages, I think Rachel Ray or Miss Mackenzie are more representative. Also, I'd aim for books first published in the mid-1860s or later. His earlier works aren't his best.

[Judy]

I started reading Trollope with the Barsetshire series, and they are probably still my favourites - also The Warde, the first in that series, n is very short, so a great place to start, I think. But all his books are great.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Judy wrote: "I started reading Trollope with the Barsetshire series, and they are probably still my favourites - also The Warde, the first in that series, n is very short, so a great place to start, I think. Bu..."

Thanks, Judy. I had forgotten that is one under 500 pages. It is the first of his to have sold well and made his reputation and success.

[Chrissie]

Thanks, Elizabeth . I have added the two Trollopes you mention to my lists.

[Jill]

Thanks, I have The Warden quite easily to hand, so think I will start there.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I hope you like them, Chrissie. Let us know, Jill, if you find Trollope to your liking.

(And I can't believe this wonderful discussion has happened in the 20th Century group!)

[Chrissie]

I just checked, Elizabeth,, the two you mention are not available on audio. Grrrr.

I guess I should also try The Warden. I began with the Palliser rather than the Barchester series.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Chrissie wrote: "I just checked, Elizabeth,, the two you mention are not available on audio. Grrrr.

I guess I should also try The Warden. I began with the Palliser rather than the Barchester series."

Not a bad place. But try libribox LibriVox for Trollope audios. I know nothing about them because I don't audio, but I think both are available.

[Chrissie]

I'll go check. Thank you for reminding me,

[Joy D]

Published in 2008, but covers the time period early 1900's to 2007:

The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry - completed 3/6/20 - 5 stars - My Review

Centenarian Roseanne Clear McNulty has been confined in a mental institution in rural Ireland for over four decades. The institution is being replaced, and her psychiatrist, Dr. Grene, must determine if she should be released or sent to the new smaller facility. This book is a deep character study of two individuals set against a backdrop of political and religious rivalries in Irish history. The plot revolves around the reasons Roseanne was initially confined, leading to up to a decision regarding her mental health. It explores the relationships among memory, fact, history, and the stories we tell ourselves. It is an emotional book about trauma, loss, betrayal, injustice, aging, and hope. I found it beautifully told, thought-provoking, and memorable.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Joy D wrote: "Published in 2008, but covers the time period early 1900's to 2007:

The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry - completed 3/6/20 - 5 stars - My Review"

Nice, JoyD. Sebastian Barry is wonderful!

[Chrissie]

I loved The Ladybird by D.H. Lawrence. Both excellent writing and content.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Now I am listening to Love Among the Haystacks,. Both are on the same audiobook. Two different narrators though. Again, the information on the Audible.com site is incorrect.

[Chrissie]

I have completed the novella Love Among the Haystacks by D.H. Lawrence.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I have begun Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao's Revolution by Helen Zia.

[Lynaia]

I’ve started “Then and Now” by Wm. Somerset Maugham. Quite interesting so far.

[Joy D]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Nice, JoyD. Sebastian Barry is wonderful!"

He certainly is! This was the first book I've read from him, but will definitely be reading more of his works.

[Chrissie]

Lynaia wrote: "I’ve started “Then and Now” by Wm. Somerset Maugham. Quite interesting so far."

You have a great book ahead of you. Then and Now is one of my favorites by Maugham. I think it is my all tine favorite of his, actually.It has great line that describe human nature, it has humorous lines, interesting historical facts are recounted and its exciting.

[Tania]

Yesterday, I finished Expiation by Elizabeth von Arnim a great book, ahead of it's time. I also read The Darling Buds of May by H.E. Bates, a lovely read, I kept picturing David Jason and gang. I thjink the TV show was very well cast.
Today I have started A Note in Music by Rosamond Lehmann.

[Val]

I am waiting for a library copy of The Mirror & The Light and the other Women's Prize books.
Some of the Booker International books are well written and translated, but depressing to read.
I decided to take a break and read The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane. I like it, but not as much as The Living Mountain by Nan Shepherd.

[Lynaia]

Good to hear Christie. I’m definitely enjoying it so far. I love Maugham writing. I’ve enjoyed almost every book I’ve read by him. I do like the history with this one. The copy I have had a little pamphlet inside with extra information about the book including an article written by Maugham himself titled ‘Behind the Story’. A really nice bonus!

[Lynaia]

Sorry, Chrissie not Christie. My phone autocorrected me. Grrrrrrrrr!

[Susan]

I have started a NetGalley read The Octopus
It has mixed reviews, but I am enjoying it so far.

[Roman Clodia]

I thought the blurb sounded really intriguing, Susan, so look forward to your thoughts. I'm managing to be pretty restrained with NetGalley this year.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I have started Riceyman Steps for our upcoming buddy read.

[Chrissie]

Lynaia wrote: "Good to hear Christie. I’m definitely enjoying it so far. I love Maugham writing. I’ve enjoyed almost every book I’ve read by him. I do like the history with this one. The copy I have had a little ..."

Cool -- receiving the extra pamphlet.

Few authors are able to alter their writing style to match the book's content. I have read everything I could get by him.

[Nigeyb]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "I have started Riceyman Steps for our upcoming buddy read."


Great news Elizabeth. I'd be happy to open the thread now if you want to start commenting immediately. We're nearly at mid March anyway.

I read Riceyman Steps a few weeks ago, and am looking forward to discovering what others make of it

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Nigeyb wrote: "Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "I have started Riceyman Steps for our upcoming buddy read."


Great news Elizabeth. I'd be happy to open the thread now if you want to start commenting imme..."

I remember you were head over heels about it. Do as you will about the thread, but I probably won't pop in until I've finished it.

[Nigeyb]

I really enjoyed it, yes.


I'll leave the thread then if you don't plan to comment whilst reading it

[Chrissie]

I have been reading everything I can get my hands on by Bennett. As soon as I have completed the book I am currently reading I thought I would move on to Riceyman Steps.

[Nigeyb]

It will be fascinating to get your thoughts Chrissie, as you will be able to compare and contrast it with his other work

[Chrissie]

I have read four of his books now and all I have given four stars, but still some I like more than others. I am definitely looking forward to Riceyman Steps.

[Tania]

I'm looking forward to that one too. For now though, having enjoyed The Darling Buds of May so much, I'm reading the second book in the Pop Larkin Chronicles, A Breath of French Air.

[Chrissie]

I have completed Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao's Revolution by Helen Zia. Here follows my review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I have begun Riceyman Steps by Arnold Bennett.

[Nigeyb]

Great news. I'll open up the thread now Chrissie