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Kiwi’s 2015 Reading Challenges
Updating the thread with my recent reads:Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, 3 stars
The Secret Garden, 3 stars
How to Cut a Cake: And Other Mathematical Conundrums, disappointing: 2 stars
and finally, I just finished The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, my thoughts:
With this book I purposely slowed down my reading, only a few chapters at a time, so not to miss the beautiful poetic writing and imagery. It’s strange, I don’t normally like nonsense or allegory type literature (I didn’t particularly like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass nor The Little Prince) but this book somehow enchanted me, it brings magical, evocative and dreamlike narrative to a different level. The story made sense to me in its whimsical way and the characters have all their individual features and peculiar ways, not all of them lovely (view spoiler), my favourites? the wyverary called A-Through-L or Ell for short, Lye, the soap golem and Gleam the orange paper lantern. 3 ½ stars rounded up.
Favourite quotes:
It is well known that reading quickens the growth of a heart like nothing else.
I cannot help that readers will always insist on adventures, and though you can have grief without adventures, you cannot have adventures without grief.
Why worry about a thing that may never come to pass? Do not ruin today with mourning tomorrow.
“One can always bear more love,” the Wyverary purred.
Just started The Whistling Season and love it already...How come I've never come across Ivan Doig before?I've also added a number of books to my TBR, its size was getting dangerously low, currently standing at 297, it looks healthy again :)
Kiwi wrote: "I've also added a number of books to my TBR, its size was getting dangerously low, currently standing at 297, it looks healthy again :) ..."LOL! My TBR (like my physical body) never suffers from being too small - only from having an excess :P
haha, I've been whittling down the TBR this year and I didn't realized that it was getting uncomfortably low, it's scary to think I'm running out of books!Leslie, I remember you reading one of Lois McMaster Bujold series, I've just started The Curse of Chalion, but I already love the writing style and the characters. I think I will soon become a fan!
Kiwi wrote: "haha, I've been whittling down the TBR this year and I didn't realized that it was getting uncomfortably low, it's scary to think I'm running out of books!Leslie, I remember you reading one of Lo..."
She is a great storyteller :)
For this month genre challenge, sci-fi:Nexus, 3 stars and The Man Who Fell to Earth, 2 stars.
The highlight of this month is The Whistling Season, absolutely loved this book, 5 stars and I wish I could give it more!
Almost finished The Curse of Chalion, so sad this adventure is coming to an end.
Will soon need to decide what to read next, probably I will take a hiatus from sci-fi, maybe a mystery?
Bull Mountain, 3 1/2 stars, my thoughts:Great crime novel. I loved how the author described Bull Mountain nature scenes, the characters personalities and the family relationships down the generations. It is quite brutal and violent but also moving (view spoiler) and I’m very surprised how much I enjoyed this book. 3 ½ stars.
and Mistress of the Art of Death, the bad ending spoiled this promising novel for me:
Interesting medieval mystery about the investigation of three tortured and murdered Cambridge children and the locals blaming the resident Jews. Good character development with the primary role of the murder investigator being cast as a fiercely independent medic woman of no religious convictions.
On the negative side, I found that the protagonist actions and views were too modern for her times and I didn’t like the romance, to me it felt corny more often than not. However what it brought my rating down was the over the top ending (view spoiler)which dragged on too long.
One warning about the audio version: the narrative, having frequent POV changes, is confusing at times. 2 1/2 stars
The Summer Book, 3 starsThe Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark, 4 stars
Out of the Easy, 2 stars
Protector, 3 stars
and Around a Greek Table: Recipes & Stories Arranged According to the Liturgical Seasons of the Eastern Church, 5 stars, my review:
This book is a gem. Not only it includes a treasure trove of delicious recipes but it takes the reader on a journey into Greece itself. The book is organised according to the Orthodox Church liturgical calendar of the Easter season, the Pentecost season, Advent, the Twelve Days of Christmas, Theophany (Epiphany), the Great Sarakostí (Lent) and finally Holy Week, each season has its own stories and traditional foods.
The author magically evokes the flavours and the smells of her homeland, intertwining the traditions, legends, festivals with her memories. The recipes are simple to follow and the author has taken time to explain them step-by-step and include variations and alternatives in case of some ingredients are not available.
I made me nostalgic of my vacation of many years ago on the islands: I wish I could pack my bags and go back for another visit.
Morsel from this book:
The late sun’s rays glistened with silver undertones on the grey rocks of the amphitheater, a white light with shadows. The silence was filled with sounds that only the outdoors far from civilization allows us to hear—the bells on the throats of goats, the whistle of a bird, the mooing of a cow—and I was surrounded by the numinous, by ancient presence. I spoke to women walking behind their goat flocks as they returned them home, their hands never stopping in the spinning, spinning of wool on the spindle. I was at home, in peace, “surprised by joy.”
I’m back from a relaxing trip to celebrate our wedding anniversary: great weather, enjoyed long walks along the beaches, chased seagulls and played tag with the kids, indulged in glorious food and generally relaxed with a book while the kids played. Just lovely!Now I’m catching up with the pile up of mails from when we were away and of course with Goodreads updates.
While on holiday, I have started another Bingo card, update on my reads:
A book that became a movie: This is Where I Leave You
A book with more than 250 pages: Plainsong (This has been years on my shelves so it doubles as hoarder’s)
A book with magic: The Witch's Boy
Currently reading:
The King Must Die, I was looking forward to reading this book and it is a good historical fiction/mythology book but I’m not liking the writer’s style that much and
Olive Kitteridge which I’m enjoying very much.
The King Must Die, disappointing 2 stars.A book your friend loves: Olive Kitteridge and me too, 4 stars.
At the moment I'm browsing for this month theme reads:
Fiction - Horror/Thriller &/OR Short Story Collections (this shouldn't be too hard, except I don't like gore, so I'll probably stay on the thriller side)
and Non-Fiction: Psychology (This looks more like a challenge...)
also planned for this month some YA and fantasy reads. Roll on October!
So sad that you didn't care for The King Must Die! Ah well, tastes vary.I have started Olive Kitteridge a couple of times but wasn't very interested. I will have to try again.
Leslie wrote: "So sad that you didn't care for The King Must Die! Ah well, tastes vary.I have started Olive Kitteridge a couple of times but wasn't very interested. I will have to try again."
You're absolutely right Leslie, it's interesting to see how people have different views of the same book. I see you'll loved The King Must Die
I hope you'll like Olive next time, it takes a while to get used to her bitterness
A book published this year: Little Black Lies, a good thriller, 3 starsYLTO crypto challenge: The Mysterious Howling, 3 stars
A classic: The Turn of the Screw, 2 1/2 starsThe second book in a series: Royal Assassin, 4 stars
currently reading: Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning and The Call of the Wild
Nope, I haven't read Lady Susan, but I probably will after I've finished her 6 novels.
Pink wrote: "Nope, I haven't read Lady Susan, but I probably will after I've finished her 6 novels."I'm not sure what you mean Pink
That's really strange, I wondered where that comment went! I thought I posted it in reply, on the favourite Austen thread, then noticed it wasn't there, so assumed it hadn't posted. I have no idea how it ended up here in your reading challenge! Sorry! :)
haha, that explains things Pink, I put my investigator cap on looking for a female author with 6 novels and one called Lady Susan in my thread, I didn't think of Ms Austen, no problem, thanks for stopping by ..
A book with non-human characters: The Call of the Wild (reread), 4 starsMonthly non-fiction, Psychology: Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning, 4 stars
A book of science fiction: Bird Box, a solid 3 starsThe Crowfield Demon, 2 stars
Currently reading Augustus: The Life of Rome's First Emperor.
A book about a famous person: Augustus: The Life of Rome's First Emperor by Anthony Everitt, 4 stars my reviewCurrently reading and very much enjoying My Cousin Rachel :)
My Cousin Rachel, absolutely adored it, can I give it 6 stars?Note to self: Daphne du Maurier challenge next year perhaps
just started 14 for this month's horror genre and as A book with a number in its title.
Kiwi wrote: "My Cousin Rachel, absolutely adored it, can I give it 6 stars?Note to self: Daphne du Maurier challenge next year perhaps
just started 14 for this month's horror genr..."
I do so agree about My Cousin Rachel! I would like to read some more of her works so if you do end up with a du Maurier challenge next year I might tag along for a few of them.
Me too! I think My Cousin Rachel is my favourite, closely followed by Rebecca. I read a few du Maurier books last year, but I'd like to try more.
Sure, would love to read along with you, Leslie and Pink.Since Du Maurier is such a well loved writer I think other people in the group may be interested. Could be a classic group read/challenge perhaps, I'm not sure I would want to read all her works but maybe include books from other beloved classic writers for variety?
or maybe ask people to vote for their favorite classic writer and pick 3/4 works of the top 3 writers for a yearly challenge? just a thought :)
Kiwi, there should be some old de Maurier threads somewhere in the group, as we had several readalongs for her in 2013 or 2014. I think Jean organised them and I participated in a few, but it will be nice to carry on with her books again.
Thank you Pink, I wasn't aware of the past readalongs, I'll look for them
A book with a number in its title: 14, 2 stars. Bingo on the diagonalCurrently reading A Land More Kind Than Home, very good so far.
Pink wrote: "Kiwi, there should be some old de Maurier threads somewhere in the group, as we had several readalongs for her in 2013 or 2014. I think Jean organised them and I participated in a few, but it will ..."There were indeed -- in fact, The House on the Strand was one of the very first group fiction reads in AAB :)
Here is the general du Maurier readalong thread from last year; we could easily revive it next year!
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...
Leslie wrote: "Pink wrote: "Kiwi, there should be some old de Maurier threads somewhere in the group, as we had several readalongs for her in 2013 or 2014. I think Jean organised them and I participated in a few,..."Thanks for the link Leslie, I was not part of the group in 2013 and Du Murier surely deserves a readalong revival :)
A Land More Kind Than Home, 4 stars, my thoughts:I really enjoyed this novel, it has wonderful writing. I liked all three POVs, the curious young boy whose mute brother is killed in a botched-up healing session, the local sheriff scarred by its own loss who is investigating the death and the old midwife who is memory repository of the little town. Through the eyes of these characters, the author carefully and vividly describes the past and current life in the tight-knit Madison County community. I loved how the tension builds up as the story progresses to its painful conclusion. It is a story of tragedy, loss and redemption. I’m looking forward to reading more of Wiley Cash’s books. Highly recommended.
Next are The Doll's House, a thriller and V for Vendetta, a graphic novel well out of my comfort zone
Kiwi wrote: "Leslie wrote: "Pink wrote: "Kiwi, there should be some old de Maurier threads somewhere in the group, as we had several readalongs for her in 2013 or 2014. I think Jean organised them and I partici..."Yes, great idea, I am slowly working my way through reading all of du Maurier's books myself.
Shirley wrote: "Yes, great idea, I am slowly working my way through reading all of du Maurier's books myself. ..."That's great Shirley
Kiwi wrote: "The Doll's House, just ok crime novel, 2 stars.
V for Vendetta, did not enjoy at all. 1 star"
Oh, sorry Kiwi. :( I hope your upcoming books end up being more enjoyable.
V for Vendetta, did not enjoy at all. 1 star"
Oh, sorry Kiwi. :( I hope your upcoming books end up being more enjoyable.
Thanks Lisa Ann, I knew that book was a risk, way out of my comfort zone, and sometimes it works; this time it didn't.Onto other books, I've started Gentlemen and Players really good so far!
Finished Gentlemen and Players, 4 stars, my thoughts:A brilliant psychological thriller where the criminal is playing a game of chess with the staff at St Oswald's, a posh all boys’ school, with the aim of bringing down the school by tarnishing its reputation. The main target is an old-fashioned teacher named Quaz (AKA Quasimodo since he resides in the school tower), I loved this character!
The novel alternates chapters from the perpetrator and the old teacher perspective. Harris does a wonderful job in creating a credible psychopath with a grudge. Although I sensed the identity of the perpetrator, it was a very nice twist. The ending felt a little drawn-out, but a very enjoyable read. I loved Chocolat and Five Quarters of the Orange but stopped reading Harris' novels when Blackberry Wine, Holy Fools and Coastliners left me unimpressed. I’m glad I tried Gentlemen and Players, after seeing it mentioned in one GR groups, I’m sure there are other gems of hers for me to discover. A recommended read.
Currently reading Paris
Kiwi - Gentlemen and Players certainly had me fooled! I loved it. Funny, I hated Blackberry Wine when I 'audio-booked' it years ago, but have listened to it twice since, and really liked it.I think Lollipop Shoes is a worthy successor to Chocolat, darker and more mystical, so worth a read.
Thanks for the recommendation, John
Finished a couple of YA books: Le avventure di Pinocchio, 5 stars, mainly for sentimental reasons, and Gregor the Overlander, only 2 stars for this first novel by Suzanne Collins (the author of The Hunger Games).
A book with a place name in its title: Paris, 3 1/2 stars, my thoughts:A great read if you are curious about the history of Paris. Rutherfurd, as usual, narrates through the generations of only a few families (often interrelated). The scope of the work (the history of the city from its beginning as a little roman settlement until WWII liberation) is vast and an ambitious task for the author who, to keep the book in one volume, necessarily has limited the story to well-known events and few characters.
Although I wasn’t too happy with the author’s history lesson tone at the beginning of the book, I found the second part of the novel the most engrossing and hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed this book even if some parts felt like a lecture and I would have liked less sentimentality and more information on less known periods and facts about this great city. On the other hand, I can see why this book is loved by many and has the potential to become an all-time favourite. 3 ½ stars rounded up
Currently reading The Last Kingdom, in preparation for the coming new TV series :)
For this month's theme, travel and adventure, i read a couple of novels The Accidental Tourist and Seta, rated both 2 stars.I used the latter as "A non-English book" and so I have another bingo, only 5 squares remaining for my fourth Bingo Card. I think I can make it before year's end.
Currently reading a couple of NF travel books: Forever Paris: 25 Walks in the Footsteps of the City's Most Illustrious Figures and Rick Steves' Walk: Historic Paris and a time travel book: Time and Again.
Good luck on your bingo card Kiwi. :)
Gilead, sadly only 2 1/2 stars.A book with a colour in its title: Paris Noir: The Secret History of a City a pleasant surprise, 3 1/2 stars. My thoughts:
It is hard to fit this book into a single category; it could be either the author memoir of the years of Nazi occupation and post liberation, a collection of gothic tales or a study of Paris dark underbelly. Jacques Yonnet was born in 1915, an artist (painter and sculptor as well as writer) he was also a WWII French partisan, actively participating in the Resistance in Paris. This book was published in 1954, under the title “Enchantements sur Paris” (Paris Spellbound) and later on with the author favourite name ”Rue des Maléfices” (Witchcraft Street), both, I think, are a better suited titles.
The book is a portrait of a long-gone and colourful cast of characters who populated the city secret corners and used to congregate in the rundown and ill-reputed bars and cafes on the banks of the Seine: beggars, rag-pickers, legionnaires, dangerous crooks, ruffians, madmen, poets, gypsies, drunkards, whores, vagabonds, spies, healers etc. There are wonderful and extraordinary tales, often with dark undertones, there are stories of love, jealousy, betrayal, revenge, murder stories others are tall tales of the occult, belonging to an unreal world.
There’s the mystery of “the old man who appear after midnight”, the humour of “the sorry tale of Théophile Trigou”, the creepy tale of “Mina the cat” (this one reminded me of Poe’s tales), the tragic ending of friendship and love triangle in “the ill-fated knees”, the magic in Cyril “the watchmaker of backward-running time”, the regret of “the man who repented of betraying a secret” and the list goes on.
I found the language fascinating, I wish I could read the original but the English translation must suffice for me. Perhaps, it is best to let some lines speak for themselves; here are some examples:
The Seine is sulking. Showing the same moodiness as before‚ when I came to pay my respects after a rather longer trip than I would have liked. This river is no easy mistress.
One-armed‚ one-eyed‚ lame and crippled‚ nearly all of them. They get through life on the crutches of their dreams.
Tramps laden with their bags emerged like moles out of dark warrens. The dancing light played over their etched faces‚ transformed the bearded men into prophets.
It was the kind of light that rests on your shoulders the way a cat lies on your lap. So familiar.
Géga‚ purveyor of all things. A wholesale ragman these days. A crooked smile‚ brimmed hat‚ pipe and patter. Sheer Balzac. Heart of gold. But he ought to shut up. There’s Monsieur Moniaud‚ presently history teacher in a private school‚ ousted from the senior position he held in the Aliens Bureau at the Tour Pointue on account of his insufficiently pro-Nazi sentiments.
And here is my favourite:
There’s Pepe the Pansy. Beyond belief. A poof like you wouldn’t have thought possible. He has the audacity to solicit at the entrance to the hotel opposite. On crutches‚ toothless‚ outrageously made up‚ he sometimes wears a filthy wig and a skirt‚ with his single trouser leg and his wooden leg with the naked end of his stump showing‚ extending below it. This human detritus claims to be an hermaphrodite. Before‚ he lived in a brothel in Le Havre‚ where he was called Miss Mexico. Now he fleeces the Jerries‚ especially the young SS who turn up one by one‚ not very proud of themselves.
I never heard of Yonnet and I am glad to have found his book among GR recommendations. I was enchanted by the author’s writing, and saddened by the fact that this masterful storyteller is virtually unknown. The stories of the supernatural (view spoiler) are quite unbelievable and sceptic as I am I read these as creative make-believes. Was Yonnet a forerunner of today’s popular magic realism genre?
The book is not perfect; I found it a bit disjointed, i.e. when the memoirs mingled with the fantastic tales and the second half of the book was not up to the brilliance of the first part, nonetheless it is well worth a read. 3 ½ stars
In the Bleak Midwinter, 3 stars and A book based on a play: Macbeth, fantastic read and even better audio, full 4 stars, it could even be revised to 5 after the cool-off period :)
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Also just finished Afterparty, a pleasant surprise, 4 stars, my thoughts:
This is an odd book with weird characters, a twisted plot and a wicked sense of humour. Although the book came highly recommended to me, I almost passed the opportunity of reading it; I had my doubts given that last month I couldn’t even finish another well rated book with a drug induced hallucination theme:A Scanner Darkly. For me the two books are chalk and cheese.
Set in a near future, where people can manufacture their own drugs with the help of low cost printers, Lyda, is a patient in a mental hospital soon to be released. She is also one of the original scientists (a partner in Little Sprout, a biotech start up) who formulated a wonder drug (NME110 a.k.a. Numinous) aimed at treating schizophrenia but with unexpected dangerous side effects (religious delusions). Francine, a young street girl and recent convert to the church of Hologrammatic God, is admitted to the same mental hospital but soon she commits suicide and Lyda suspects that NME110 is responsible for the death.
At first, I found the book bizarre but I was hooked by the story and its mystery elements: what really happened at the party where the partners overdosed on the drug and one of them ended up dead? who is using the churches as drug distribution channels? who is the client behind the cowboy hat assassin? And what are the motives?
I found the book hard to put down. Definitely original, Aterparty is tightly-plotted, fast-paced thriller that kept me interested till the very end, well worth a read. 3 ½ stars rounded up.
I should also mention that the audible version narrated by Tavia Gilbert is excellent.