2025 Reading Challenge discussion
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Shōgun, Part One
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Shogun Part 1 (Asian Saga #1 Part 1)
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I'm going to start listening to this one today, and I imagine it could take most or maybe even all month since I don't do a lot of audio.
I should start this book around June 1st. Need to finish some books before.
I decided to read this for June but the entire book. Planning to read 30 pages a day. Will come back with my thoughts
I've started today and read the Prologue and chapter 1. Good start. I like the way it is written and the numerous POV.
I'm right at the end of chapter one as well. Really enjoying the audio narration.
I’m jumping in today. Planning to read 100-150 pp of it per day.Update: I've watched the Richard Chamberlain miniseries many times since it was first aired in the 19...70s(?); in fact, I own a DVD copy of it. As I'm reading, the various scenes are coming to life in my mind. However, I don't remember how the (view spoiler) and some other more gruesome scenes were handled. I guess when I'm done reading, I will have to rewatch! 😉
And, of course, I will be watching the new miniseries. My son watched it and said it is Fab. U. Lous!
Beth wrote: "I’m jumping in today. Planning to read 100-150 pp of it per day.Update: I've watched the Richard Chamberlain miniseries many times since it was first aired in the 19...70s(?); in fact, I own a DV..."
The series with Chamberlain was in the 1980s. I just checked this morning because I remember all my girlfriends being in LOVE with Chamberlain and they would have been too young in the 70s for that to happen. (I was 20 years old in the 80s) I never saw the series. Contrary to my friends, Chamberlain did nothing for me :-) and the fact he was playing in it, did not entice me to watch it. (I also never watch the Thorn Birds with Chamberlain).
I was wondering if I should watch the new series instead. Now that you say your soon thinks it is ‘Fab. U. Lous!’ I think I will after I finish the book.
I really like this story do far. I have a few books to finish before I can read about 100-150 pages a day but this book is certainly the book I will concentrate on afterward.
I'm hoping to watch the series once I finish reading this one, but I'm taking this one in small pieces. Technically, this is a reread for me. I read this one back in the 90s when I was a teen, and I only occasionally recognize a piece of the book. (I actually remember far more of another book in the Asian saga, Noble House, but I couldn't tell you why that is.Also, if I'm supposed to be reading a buddy read with you guys that I haven't started or may not get to, it's because I'm still reading through pieces of Les Miserables and I'm finding myself suddenly attracted to Russian novels like The Big Green Tent and Russian history. I can't figure it out, but my moods have definitely blown me into some new to me places recently in my reading and watching life. I'm blaming A Gentleman in Moscow
Yes, Chamberlain’s version was 80s, thank you!So much for keeping to 150 pp or so per day. I’m already 350 pp in (and barely had any reading time yesterday). I can’t put it down! I think being familiar with the work is making it an easier read than it might otherwise be… the background politics etc could have been tedious.
Lorraine, my choice will be which version to watch first. 😉
Rebecca, no worries at all. There are months I don’t get through a particular buddy read. There are just too many books to get through!
Chapter 1-8 I am surprised at how engaging this, since I am relative new to this period in Japanese history. But it is very engaging with all the machinations, cultural clashes. Was not expecting that introduction to Omi, so early in the book or the fascination of the women with Blackthorne.
I expect big tomes to take their time and build up to dramatic scenes. But Clavell intersperses action with lots of history. There is the initial tension of being a sailor hoping to find land before the storms damage the boat. There is the tension between Catholics and Protestants. And once on land, the culture shock and aggression.
So much intrigue goes on in these 8 chapters that I can see why Beth is reading so many pages a day.
And I like how none of these characters are painted with a golden/heroic brush.
I have laughed over the women's fascination with Blackthorne. I like that there's these little spots of humor relieving the narrative tension. I'm about midway through chapter five now.
Tawallah wrote: "And I like how none of these characters are painted with a golden/heroic brush."Yes, excellent point! Everyone’s foibles are displayed, and no one side is the “right one.”
Finished today. I loved it. TBH, I'm honestly not sure if I like it so much because of my memories of watching the mini series and enjoying that with family, or if I really do like the story itself that much. And you know what? It doesn't matter. I had a great time reading this, and I'm very much looking forward to Part 2!“Tomorrow will be a lovely day, and if it isn’t, it isn’t!” Sazuko said. “Who cares about tomorrow? Now is good. I have been trying to adopt living in the moment more into my life over the past few years, and I was delighted when I found this quote in the book. It is a hard thing (for me, anyway) to do, but it has really allowed me to feel more grounded and calm.
Beth, What chapter does part one end on? My audiobook is the both parts, so I'm not sure how far to go to finish part one. My boss was out of the office some yesterday and today so I was able to get some extra audiobook time, and I've now listened to the midway point of chapter fifteen.
RebeccaNot sure about Beth book but my Part 1 included 32 chapters or Book 1-2 and 3. First 3 chapters of book 3.
Hope I make sense.
Lorraine wrote: "RebeccaNot sure about Beth book but my Part 1 included 32 chapters or Book 1-2 and 3. First 3 chapters of book 3.
Hope I make sense."
That makes sense. Thanks, Lorraine!
I am at Chapter 15 (43%). I have to say I really like it either. I found the author very talented. In many chapters, you feel like there is some dialogues when in fact you are just reading people thoughts. Not everyone can do that! 😁 I hope to finish Part 1 this weekend or on Monday. Too many books again! Blacktorne needs to understand these people fast!
Lorraine wrote: "RebeccaNot sure about Beth book but my Part 1 included 32 chapters or Book 1-2 and 3. First 3 chapters of book 3.
Hope I make sense."
Yep, mine goes to the end of chapter 32, which is the 3rd chapter to Book Three.
Lorraine wrote: "I am at Chapter 15 (43%). I have to say I really like it either. I found the author very talented. In many chapters, you feel like there is some dialogues when in fact you are just reading people t..."The internal monologues are excellent, and something that's really hard to convey on screen. I was surprised how long Blackthorn held on to his contempt for the Japanese; as I recall, it seems i the mini series it resolves faster than in the book. Could be my misremembering, could be literary license with the screenplay; I'm not sure. But a quote I highlighted at 65% has Blackthorn "...silently damning Yabu and Buntaro as motherless cowards and Mariko for the stupid bitch she was..." When I read that, I was rather shocked he still held those feelings.
Just finished Part 1. Looks like Blackthorne is beginning to understand the Japanese culture. (view spoiler). I really look forward to Part 2.
I am starting this book today. :) I have seen the original from 1980s but haven't watched the new one. I am looking forward to reading this book. :)
I won't be joining this discussion this month, but out of curiosity, are any of you reading an e-book version of this book? I ask because I was trying to get it for my Kindle and cannot for the life of me find it on Amazon, so if any of you know where it's available as an e-book, I'd greatly appreciate it :)
Lisa wrote: "I won't be joining this discussion this month, but out of curiosity, are any of you reading an e-book version of this book? I ask because I was trying to get it for my Kindle and cannot for the li..."
Have you tried the Libby app? I borrow all my kindle reads from there :)
Hi LisaI am reading an ebook version. Bought it on Amazon. There is two books.
M, my Libby doesn't have it, unfortunately - but thanks for the suggestion ! 😊Lorraine, do you think you could link it for me here?
I've been looking for forever, and it's not showing up. Unless I'm staring myself blind, or it's just not available for Denmark..🤷♀️
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2025 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Les Miserables (other topics)The Big Green Tent (other topics)
A Gentleman in Moscow (other topics)
Noble House (other topics)
Shōgun, Part One (other topics)
Pages: 533 pages
Length: 1 month (June)
Participants: Beth, Lorraine, Rebecca
Everyone reads at their own pace during a Buddy Read. Because participants can be at different parts of the book at different times, it is extremely important to mark spoilers so that the book is not ruined for someone who is not as far along as others!!!
Mark spoilers by placing {spoiler} before the text and {/spoiler} after the text but use the < and > instead of the { and }.