What are you reading and why? 2015 version Showing 201-250 of 1,711

[Cherie]

I agree with your comments, Travis. The clothing used to crack me up, but over time, it became one of the things that made everything so unique. Some of the details drag and some of them just make you squirm. It really painted itself vividly in my mind, I know that.

It is too bad that you found out things before they happened, Janice.

[Janice, Moderator]

LOL! It's my own fault. Sometimes, I'm too impatient for the book to spell things out, so I go searching and stumble on spoilers. In this case, I wanted to know who all the characters were because I was a bit anxious I'd get lost in the sheer numbers of them. Unfortunately, the page I found didn't just say that Eddard/Ned was the lord of Winterfell, married to Catelyn, children.... It gave a bit more detail.

[Travis]

I had figured out you learned of Ned but was surprised how a single sentence with Ned and Joffrey in it they managed to basically get you with 3 spoilers in a handful of words

[Sandra, Moderator]

Just finished listening to Martín Fierro, a beautiful Argentinian classic. So funny and sad at the same time...

[KimeyDiann]

Janice wrote: "I think about the book all day long."

That is the mark of a great book to me! I'm really going to have to read it soon!

[KimeyDiann]

I finished The Hobbit yesterday evening. Why on earth did I wait so long to read Tolkien?! I hope to start on The Lord of the Rings trilogy soon.

I'm also working on Iced, The Neverending Story, and The Dark Mirror. I never have more than 2 books going at one time, one audio and one text, so this is very strange for me to be reading three at once. I don't think I'll do it again. :) lol

[Janice, Moderator]

Travis of NNY wrote: "I had figured out you learned of Ned but was surprised how a single sentence with Ned and Joffrey in it they managed to basically get you with 3 spoilers in a handful of words"


Amazing, isn't it!

I finished watching the first season on DVD and there is a spoiler from book two in it. But, I didn't mind this spoiler as I've been dying to know what became of Arya. This spoiler just makes me more eager to read book 2.

Where's the mailman with my package? He's such a nice man. When he has a package for me, he rings my buzzer, tells me he has a package and then says he'll bring it to my door. Generally, you just get a notice in your mailbox to go to the post office and pick it up.

[Travis]

Arya eventually gonna be singing "I been around the world and aye aye aye" i don't even know where she is at this point. Hope she is still alive but kind of lose trackafter a wgile

[Mariab]

@Sarah
And so full of wisdom too

[Mariab]

I meant @Sandra. Dumb app without editing!

[Janice, Moderator]

Travis of NNY wrote: "Arya eventually gonna be singing "I been around the world and aye aye aye" i don't even know where she is at this point. Hope she is still alive but kind of lose trackafter a wgile"

Hmmmm - sounds intriguing. As long as she keeps sticking them with the pointy end, she'll be fine.

[Janice, Moderator]

I finished The Elegance of the Hedgehog and was not blown away, I'm afraid. So many of my GR friends really enjoyed it. It's clear to me that character driven stories just don't appeal to me.

Next up: Twelve Years a Slave.

[Stephanie]

I finished The Neverending Story. I rated it 3 stars as it was just an ok read for me. I have stated The Hobbit.

[Sandra, Moderator]

Mariab wrote: "I meant @Sandra. Dumb app without editing!"

It's true. And I found so many phrases that have became part of the everyday speaking and I didn't know were from this book!

[jaxnsmom]

I just started listening to Station Eleven and I can tell I'm going to be pulled right into the story - it makes me look forward to going to work tomorrow :)

[Debra]

KimeyDiann wrote: "Added the Pendergast series to my TBR. I love an eccentric lead character. :) "

Excellent! Let me know what you think. Give it about 3 books before you make up your mind!

[Debra]

Travis of NNY wrote: "Love pendergast. Just 11 more bioks to go"

Oh, you are in for a nice ride. I keep thinking I'm going to reread them all, as I've forgotten some things from the earlier books. Each book refers to things that have happened in previous books, and it drives me nuts when I can't remember. BUT, I've got enough on my plate without starting over with so many books!

[Debra]

Janice wrote: "I just finished it too at midnight last night. A friend called it crack, and I am soooo addicted. I think about the book all day long. Tonight, I'm going to start watching the first season."

Not sure I'm going to rent the TV series. Maybe after I've read all the books. I'm kind of intrigued by the idea, tho. Let me know what you think!

[Debra]

Janice wrote: "Travis of NNY wrote: "Love pendergast. Just 11 more bioks to go"

I have nine to go. Why did I think I had only 4 to go?"

They are page-turners, tho. They go fast. At least they do for me.

[Debra]

Janice wrote: "Travis of NNY wrote: "Did Martin rip part of your heart out in vook 1 Janice or Debra"

What ripped my heart out were the daughters - Arya, Sansa, and Dany (for she was a daughter too). And they ..."

Yes, Martin did do a fine bit of ripping in several places. Killing off favorite characters was so hard to take. And yes, the daughters, Janice. I can't wait to read the next in the series. Just waiting for it from the library.

[Debra]

Travis of NNY wrote: "While parts of the series can drag a little. 5 pages to describe the food at a feast and the endless description of clothing. Then he throws some just weird stuff inthe middle
...
I can't wait to reread it once book 6 comes out because I find most people appreciate it more the second time through. I'm guessing since you know where the story goes you can sit back abd really appreciate the descriptions to this in depth world Martin has made "

I do not like getting caught of in the minute details... boring...

And yes, I think a reread of the books would be very satisfying knowing what is going to happen and being able to appreciate the growth of the whole saga.

[Debra]

Right now I'm reading another Steve Berry book in his Cotton Malone series. It's The Emperor's Tomb. Each time I read one of his books, I get so much history with the thrillers, they leave me feeling enriched.

Did you know there is a theory (maybe a proven one) that oil doesn't come from fossil fuels (biotic), but is an endless supply of abiotic fuel found much deeper in the earth than biotic fuel? This is just one of the interesting and exciting things I've learned in the book, not to mention so much about China and it's history. The early Chinese beat us to most inventions... we were centuries behind them in ancient times.

[Mariab]

@Debra, there is a book from VM Manfredi Empire of Dragons wich has the same theme/location

[Debra]

Mariab wrote: "@Debra, there is a book from VM Manfredi Empire of Dragons wich has the same theme/location"

Thanks! I just may check it out.

[Janice, Moderator]

I'm reading Twelve Years a Slave for a couple of reasons. One is that it's next on my audiobook queue, and the other is that I'm getting a jump (possibly) on the February group read.

I'm also reading Caribbean because it's next on my print-book queue. I've had it forever! I started it some years back and never finished it, so it's a second chance. It's a chunkster (over 800 pages) and tiny tiny print. I need a magnifying glass, and patience (because I'd rather be reading A Clash of Kings).

[Lisa]

I finished Bellman & Black: A Ghost Story which was a pretty disappointing book. There wasn't enough plot or characterisation for me and it definitely wasn't a ghost story, despite its subtitle. I gave it 2 stars.

Next up for me is my pick for the monthly challenge Flowers in the Attic

[Mariab]

I'm reading book 4 from Mortal Instruments, but planning to drop it (the serie is getting weak and watery) and begin The Riyria Revelations instead.
You can tell the "Mortal Instrument" was originally a 3-books Serie, but for whatever reason -success, probably- was "stretched" to another 3 books more (I hate when they do that...)

[Sarah]

Looking forward to your comments in the Riyria buddy reads Mariab.

[Lilisa]

Finished The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Deeply intense and somewhat brutal, it is an amazing literary piece. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Janice, Moderator]

I finished Twelve Years a Slave and a short story The Viscount and the Witch. Tomorrow, I start The Rose and the Thorn. Love me some Royce and Hadrian. Afterall, j'mom has officially linked me with them as a "couple". LOL!

[Cherie]

Great review, Lilisa! Added to my list.

I just finished reading the third Iron Druid book, Hammered. It was my favorite book of the series, so far! I also finished reading the firts Nero Wolf series book, called Fer-de-Lance and the last Magic Kingdom of Landover story, A Princess of Landover. I really enjoyed listening to Nero Wolf on audio. I read the books many years ago, but the series challenge is giving me a reason to go back and enjoy them all over again in another dimension. Also, to introduce a new narrator that I have not listened to before, Michael Prichard. I am also listening to The Ionian Mission, #8 in the Aubrey/Maturin series. I wasn't paying attention when I downloaded it and this book too has introduced me to another new narrator, but I don't know his name. I was upset at first, because I missed Simon Vance, but, I have gotten used to his vioce.* I am also half way through Bellman & Black. Just a so-so story. I could almost not care if I didn't finish, but I will.
*I finished and the narrator was Simon Vance.

[Lilisa]

Thanks Cherie - The Narrow Road to the Deep North: A novel is a great book but be forewarned it's rather graphic, particularly about the treatment and life of the POWs building the Siam-Burma railroad. Richard Flanagan's father was a POW there and was a significant resource. Flanagan also conducted a ton of research. Brilliant writing.

[Sandra, Moderator]

Great review, Lilisa. The Narrow Road to the Deep North is in my "priority to read" list for 2015.

[Canadian Dragon]

About to stretch out and enjoy a reread of one of my favourites Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

[Roz]

I'm talking a break from my Killer Series and starred reading Dreams of Joy. I'm going to be home tomorrow due to a massive snow storm headed my way,. What could be better than snuggling under the covers with a good book?

[Lilisa]

Sandra wrote: "Great review, Lilisa. The Narrow Road to the Deep North is in my "priority to read" list for 2015."

Thanks Sandra!

[Lilisa]

Cherie - that is too funny - glad the narrator was Simon Vance!

[Lisa]

I finished Flowers in the Attic for the monthly challenge. It was a 3 star read for me.

I am now starting Station Eleven. I am not the biggest fan of science-fiction/dystopian books but I have heard so many good things about this that I just had to give it a try.

[Gar]

I am reading Flying Scotsman as been meaning to read this. And also reading Skin on My Skin as I liked the cover :)

[Mariab]

Have You Lisa? Im big fan for (very good) SF

[Lisa]

Mariab wrote: "Have You Lisa? Im big fan for (very good) SF"

Yes, it's had some very good reviews from what I've read Mariab. And it was nominated for a Goodreads Choice award last year by the looks of it.

[Sarah]

Lisa wrote: "Mariab wrote: "Have You Lisa? Im big fan for (very good) SF"

Yes, it's had some very good reviews from what I've read Mariab. And it was nominated for a Goodreads Choice award last year by the loo..."

I've heard good stuff about it too - I just bought it this week because a number of my GR friends have rated it 5 stars. Looking forward to seeing what you think Lisa.

[Sarah]

Ok so I've just finished Theft of Swords for my series challenge and they were also buddy reads. And after all the talk of Station Eleven, I thought I'd start it too.

[jaxnsmom]

Cherie wrote: "Great review, Lilisa! Added to my list.

I just finished reading the third Iron Druid book, Hammered. It was my favorite book of the series, so far! I also finished reading the fi..."

That's too funny about the narrator. I've had several series where I would swear it was a different author, and then looked it up and it was the same one. I tell myself they had a cold or something when they sounded different.

I might have to try listening to the Nero Wolfe books. I loved the tv series with Timothy Hutton!

[jaxnsmom]

Lisa wrote: "I am now starting Station Eleven. I am not the biggest fan of science-fictio..."

I listened to Station Eleven and loved it. When I finished, I felt this overwhelming sensation of feeling more forgiving towards my family and the world. Too bad it only lasted until my sister called :~D

[Gar]

Whats Station Eleven like, seems like a good read.

[Sarah]

Garrett wrote: "Whats Station Eleven like, seems like a good read."

Some of us have just started it for a buddy read. It's started well. Feel free to come over and join in if you like. The thread is here.

[Janice, Moderator]

I zoomed through The Rose and the Thorn practically without stopping. I started the other night, but when I picked it up at 3:00 yesterday afternoon, I couldn't put it down until I was finished at 9:30.

Now, I'm in a pickle (view spoiler)[ pun intended because Pickle is the name of a character from The Crown Tower and used as a pun in Rose & Thorn (hide spoiler)] because I think I may need to start my February reads. I have The Providence Rider on my list as to read next. I will start tonight.

[KimeyDiann]

I finished The Dark Mirror yesterday. It was quite good. I've never read anything about Picts and Gaels so it was new and interesting. I will likely continue the series if I can find the rest of the books easily. The narrator wasn't great, at least not with female voices.

I started Mercury Falls this morning. I like the premise so far and it seems like it is going to be very funny. There hasn't been a lot of dialog yet but I think I'm going to like the narrator.

I'm also reading Burned. While it does seem to be suffering from a sort of middle book syndrome, I do like it. And I have to say there have been some MAJOR surprised/twists that I did not see coming! That is one of the things I love about this series!

[Peggy]

After 3 weeks or so, I finally finished book 4 in the Outlander series, Drums of Autumn. It was 1070 pages, and although I really enjoyed it, I'm glad I can read something else now. I'm going to wait a bit with the next book in the series, which is 1443 pages!

I thought about reading Welcome to the World, Baby Girl! next, for the series challenge, wanting something short and quick, but I just found out it's 512 pages.