WHAT ARE YOU READING AND WHY!! Showing 6,901-6,950 of 10,669

[Ruth]

This morning I finished Echo Park and since I have listened to about 5 mysteries in last week, switched things up to God Don't Like Ugly

[Jerry]

Just finished The Eagle's Shadow: Why America Fascinates and Infuriates the World a look at the globalization and Americanization of the world. Written 10 years ago, it predicted some of what is happening now while missing other things, but in any event it reminds us how we got here.

[Ken]

Jerry wrote: "it predicted some of what is happening now while missing other things..."

Throw me a for instance...besides Jershey Shore.

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB]

Recently finished- what an amazing book!!! A true Epic!

[Jerry]

Ken wrote: "Jerry wrote: "it predicted some of what is happening now while missing other things..."

Throw me a for instance...besides Jershey Shore."

No, he didn't predict Jersey Shore but he did bemoan the popularity of Baywatch, Seriously though, he thought that the gap between the middle class and the rich would grow to the point of protests (ala Occupy) and that the dumbing down of the news media in pursuit of profits would allow the corporate/ government power circles to expand unchecked. He failed to see the rise of social media as the stimulus but did foresee the unrest in Egypt as communication shrinks the world. The biggest take-a-way though is the review of the policies enacted in the 1980's and after that set in motion the whole multinational globalization of the world's economies and how that changed the world's view of America.

[Fiona (Titch)]

This morning I finished Quenched - Z.L. Arkadie. Now I am going to carry on the saga with The Fifth Sister, A Paranormal Romance - Z.L. Arkadie.

[Bobby]

Rick wrote: "I always read two books at the same time! Usually a current thriller or mystery and a classic- Right now I am just finishing up- The Elusive Pimpernel- the sequel to The Scarlet Pimpernel- so my mi..."
I would recommend two books by David Carraturo. Cameron Nation and the prequel, Columbus Avenue Boys. One is political while the other is a mafia-fbi infiltration and just a good story on an Italian family saga from the 1890s.

[Bobby]

I would recommend two books by David Carraturo. Cameron Nation and the prequel, Columbus Avenue Boys. One is political while the other is a mafia-fbi infiltration and just a good story on an Italian family saga from the 1890s.

[Ken]

I don't see how there is a dumbing down of the news media except to the extent that traditional media has quite reporting and begun editorializing. If anything there is a surfeit of media and anything controversial is de-constructed to the 'nth degree with hours.
As an example, look at the Trayvon Martin imbroglio. A local incident was exploited overnight but within a short time the access to media led to major walkbacks by ABC, NBC and the NYT who had to invent a new ethnicity in order to redeem their sullied reputation.

Wrong forum to discuss this particular topic, just using it as an example of what happens when media outlets expect people to accept their dumbed down versions without critique.

[KOMET]

I'm now reading Rough Trade by Dominique Manotti. I read one of Manotti's other novels recently, which was terrific. This particular one, also a police procedural novel, takes place in France during 1980. (In general, I enjoy reading police/detective novels that take me outside of the usual American mindset into other parts of the world. Rough Trade carries me off into a different realm.)

[KOMET]

Ken wrote: "I don't see how there is a dumbing down of the news media except to the extent that traditional media has quite reporting and begun editorializing. If anything there is a surfeit of media and anyt..."

I need only think back to the OJ Simpson Case of 1994-95, which brought to the fore a lot of the persistent social tensions in the U.S.

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB]

Ken wrote: "I don't see how there is a dumbing down of the news media except to the extent that traditional media has quite reporting and begun editorializing. If anything there is a surfeit of media and anyt..."

The main change is that "newscasters" have become entertainers...not journalists like Frank Reynolds, Chet Huntley, Frank McGee- all of whom would turn over in their graves if they saw that in order to be a newscaster- what counts most is who is the bestlooking and who has the best agent. I feel sorry for those many folks in Journalism school who are not blonde, 35 and a size 2 who look like estras from the set of Dynasty- Their knowledge and dedication to true journalism pales in importance to their outward- superficial appearance- when it comes to getting hired- half the time I cannot tell the difference between the newscasters on all of the networks- they all look the same- blonde, 35 and beautiful- nothing wrong with that! but when I want to hear news- I prefer a real jounalists- not pampered entertainers

[Werner]

I've just started The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper. This one is a re-read for me, but I previously read it as a seven-year-old child, so I'm convinced that parts of it were probably over my head at the time (especially the theme of interracial romance that some critics have remarked on, and which I didn't pick up at all). It'll count towards a classics challenge in one of my other groups, and I've been wanting for years to do the re-read, anyway!

[Jerry]

Rick wrote: "Ken wrote: "I don't see how there is a dumbing down of the news media except to the extent that traditional media has quite reporting and begun editorializing. If anything there is a surfeit of me..."

Exactly. The problem stems from the deregulation of the airwaves. Whereas broadcasters used to be limited in the number of stations they could own and were required to program x number of hours "in the public interest" now the 'news' divisions are profit centers and controlled by the same people who give us 'reality' tv programming. That said, I agree with Ken that this isn't the right forum so back to books... I just started a collection of old short stories from John MacDonald
The Good Old Stuff and it is good old stuff.

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB]

Jerry wrote: "Rick wrote: "Ken wrote: "I don't see how there is a dumbing down of the news media except to the extent that traditional media has quite reporting and begun editorializing. If anything there is a ..."

John D. MacDonald is like an old friend- always welcome and sure to bring great times!!

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB]

Reading and loving an old classic!

[J.R.]

Rick wrote: "Ken wrote: "I don't see how there is a dumbing down of the news media except to the extent that traditional media has quite reporting and begun editorializing. If anything there is a surfeit of me..."

As a former newsman (nearly 40 years in print journalism) I'd have to say reporting began its decline when the public began turning to television rather than print for news.
TV journalism always has been more about appearance and opinion than substance. As Rick points out, there were exceptions like Reynolds, Huntley and the like, but they were a rarity.

[KOMET]

I'm now reading Edsel by Loren D. Estleman. Setting: Detroit in the 1950s. A one time famous syndicated journalist hopes to recoup past glories while working for an ad company to promote Ford's secret project of the decade, the Edsel. Along the way, he finds out someone is out to sabotage Ford's project and kill Walter Reuther, the head of the United Auto Workers (UAW). The mob also tips its hand into the mix.

This novel is from Estleman's "Detroit Series", which I've enjoyed reading over the past year. Besides, Detroit deserves its place in a novel, alongside New York, London, Miami, Paris, and the other great cities of the world.

[Gabriella]

J.R wrote Rick wrote: "Ken wrote: "I don't see how there is a dumbing down of the news media except to the extent that traditional media has quite reporting and begun editorializing. If anything there is a surfeit of me..."

Sometimes they purposely try to manipulate the public too, like when the NBC producer blocked some parts of the George Zimmerman 911 callto try and raise tensions. That's definately one example of someone who has abused his power.

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB]

KOMET wrote: "I'm now reading Edsel by Loren D. Estleman. Setting: Detroit in the 1950s. A one time famous syndicated journalist hopes to recoup past glories while working for an ad company to promote Ford's ..."

I agree!! and Loren - with his Amos Walker novels ect has always been to Detoit what Robert B. Parker has been to Boston!

[Joey]

I plan on starting Monica Mathis-Stowe's Where Did We Go Wrong? tonight. I have a friend who read it and didn't realize I was reviewing also.

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB]

Really enjoying Sir Walter Scott's Rob Roy

[Stuart]

I am reading Metamagik by Zero Jones as I wanted to try a new author.

[Marja]

I'm reading Angel Sleuth by Lesley Diehl. I've enjoyed everything I've read by her so far, and this doesn't appear to be an exception. Very entertaining.

[Guy]

I am reading Deterring Democracy by Noam Chomsky because truth is stranger than fiction. This is a very well written examination of America's role in subverting the democracies of Latin America. This has been done with the funding and training coming from America, with the purpose of seeing that brutal military 'democracies' were established that would abet the enrichment of American corporate interests while impoverishing the 'ignorant rabble.' He examines how the media distorted the story to downplay the brutality and pervert proper understanding. The footnotes and references are extensive. This is a truly excellent and fascinating read.

[Brenda]

I am reading Sea of Poppies - not sure yet what to think of this - the vocabulary seems to be interferring with the plot - it is a bit difficult to understand.

[Minnie]

Joey wrote: "

I plan on starting Monica Mathis-Stowe's Where Did We Go Wrong? tonight. I have a friend who read it and didn't realize I was reviewing also."

Joey, can't find the post where you listed your blog and Rick responded with triple !!!s. Where he finds time to read the hundreds of member's blogs is beyond me. Anyway, it sends me there to see what all the excitement is about.

Seeing it today, I agree with Rick, it is most interesting and entertaining. I got caught up in your conversation titled, "Urban Lit is DEAD" a bit too late. I've written about this before and agree with most of your theories. Of course, you received pros and cons. That's the book industry--whatever sells. I suppose these types of genres are needed to accommodate all type of readers.

The best to you and keep doing what you're doing.

Minnie E Miller author of:


The Seduction of Mr. Bradley


Whispers from the Mirror

[Barbara]

I'm reading Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin

[Bill]

Barbara wrote: "I'm reading Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin"

I haven't read that one yet, but I've enjoyed the first two of the series so very much. Hope you're enjoying!

I'm currently reading Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (almost finished) and about to start Arrow Pointing Nowhere, my first Henry Gamadge mystery.

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB]

Bill wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I'm reading Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin"

I haven't read that one yet, but I've enjoyed the first two of the series so very much. Hope you're enjoying!

I'm currently reading Jo..."



a book I have on my shelf for years- have not read it yet- but very interested in your take Bill- worth reading- given the length?

[KOMET]

Rick wrote: "Bill wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I'm reading Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin"

I haven't read that one yet, but I've enjoyed the first two of the series so very much. Hope you're enjoying!


Rick, I, too, have had Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, a Mass Market Paperback, on the shelf for some time now. At some point, I will endeavor to read it because the subject matter and the era in which it is set (Regency Era Britain) interests me.

BUT IN THE MEANTIME, NOW THAT IT IS SUMMER, I AM GOING TO TACKLE A World on Fire: Britain's Crucial Role in the American Civil War by Dr.Amanda Foreman. 988 pp.

[Howard]

KOMET wrote: "Rick wrote: "Bill wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I'm reading Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin"

I haven't read that one yet, but I've enjoyed the first two of the series so very much. Hope you're enjoying! ..."

Komet, I'm interested in this period too, but some historians define it differently.

Do you mean during the regency itself, or the more general definition of the era between the Georgian & Victorian ages?

Just wondering.

[Robert]

I am currently reading "A Secret Alchemy" by Emma Darwin because I liked the premise. I am about half through and the jury is still out.

[Bill]

Rick wrote: "Bill wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I'm reading Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin"

I haven't read that one yet, but I've enjoyed the first two of the series so very much. Hope you're enjoying!

I'm current..."

I wondered at times, as I worked through it, Rick. Overall it was an interesting story. I think it could have been shorter and still told the story very well. I was mostly satisfied with what I read; I liked the characters and the plot was interesting. Worth making the attempt and getting used to the flow of the book, I think.

[Meb]

Reading George R.R. Martin's GAME OF THRONES boxed set. I should finish sometime around the turn of the century. The man can write!

[KOMET]

Howard wrote: "KOMET wrote: "Rick wrote: "Bill wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I'm reading Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin"

I haven't read that one yet, but I've enjoyed the first two of the series so very much. Hope you..."

Hi Howard,

On second thought, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell begins around 1806, which is actually 5 years before the start of the Regency Era (1811-20).

I guess I would be thinking along the lines of the late Georgian and Regency Eras, which encompass the period of the Napoleonic Wars.

[Howard]

Komet, I know know you are into military history, me too, especially the technological development of weapons.

Of course, then it becomes how best to use what you had.

Much is made of Napoleon's heavy use of artillery, but his cannon were brass as they were yet to learn how to cast steel sufficient to the task.

The Kiser knew by WWI & they had giant cannon housed inside mountain bunkers in southern Germany & they would roll them out on heavy gage rail road line & these monsters lobed a shell the size of a school bus all the way to Belgium.

As the steel of the cannon would expand from the heat generated by friction, the shells were increased by exact increments so that they could continue the barrage.

WWII had nothing like it, warfare was too mobile by that time & they had to do with lesser payloads.

Unless you were in the Navy, that is.

Let us know how you like the book.

[Joey]

Hello, Minnie. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm still getting the hang of this group. Rick is the man, he invited me to this group a while ago. I've been so caught up with posting new stuff on my blog that I failed to come over here sooner.

Thank you for checking out my website and reading some of the posts. I appreciate that. That Urban Lit article got plenty of attention, mostly negative. The funny thing is that I love Urban Lit. It's my favorite genre. It's also why I gripe about it.

http://joeypinkney.com

[Fiona (Titch)]

Just finished The Fifth Sister, A Paranormal Romance - Z.L. Arkadie. Now I am about to start Enchantment - Charlotte Abel.

[Stuart]

I am readingStalking Shadows by S.A. Hunter as I enjoyed the first book in the series.

[Andy]

Halfway through Long Time Dead by Tony Black,
hears some good reviews of his work so decided to try one.
Great stuff so far :)

[Ken]

Whoever recommended I pick up some Dennis Lehane, I have to thank you. I first read one of his detective books, A Drink Before the War, and it was pretty entertaining and well paced but pretty much formula detective stuff.

Then I started on The Given Day. Wow! If you ever wondered what the difference is between fiction and literature, the contrast answers the question. I'm only about a hundred pages into the latter and am floored. Whoever pointed me to Lehane, thanks.

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB]

Bill wrote: "Rick wrote: "Bill wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I'm reading Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin"

I haven't read that one yet, but I've enjoyed the first two of the series so very much. Hope you're enjoying! ..."

Howard wrote: "KOMET wrote: "Rick wrote: "Bill wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I'm reading Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin"

I haven't read that one yet, but I've enjoyed the first two of the series so very much. Hope you..."

I love that period too- I just feel that 400 pages is a nice stopping point for MOST fiction- facinating plot- yet having so many books on my TBR list- hard to fit a 8-900 page book in!

[Bill]

Rick wrote: "Bill wrote: "Rick wrote: "Bill wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I'm reading Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin"

I haven't read that one yet, but I've enjoyed the first two of the series so very much. Hope you'..."

I agree with you, Rick, however, I will say that overall, this was a fairly quick read for 1000 pages.. once you got into it a bit anyway..

[Genine]

Werner wrote: "I've just started The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper. This one is a re-read for me, but I previously read it as a seven-year-old child, so I'm convinced that parts of it were probab..."

I loved Mark Twain's review of Cooper's books.

[Stefan]

Genine wrote: "I loved Mark Twain's review of Cooper's books. "

Truly comic genius. The man is hysterical!

[Howard]

Whatever happened to Mark Twain?

Mark Twain’s autobiography, held back nearly 100 years, was published recently & there was great anticipation as to if he’d ‘dis’ organized religion, etc. but that’s not what I’m interested in.

I write Epic Fables, books that have a strong historical content, so I read a lot of history & I’ll read this too, just haven’t gotten around to it yet.

But he could really turn a phrase & his words endure.

From my reading of history, I think that most of the best-used quotes come from four major sources & he’s one of them.

The others would be the Bible, Shakespeare (of course) & Winston Churchill.

Anyway, I’ve heard nothing since it came out & if anybody’s read it, let me know what you think.

[Ken]

Stefan wrote: "Genine wrote: "I loved Mark Twain's review of Cooper's books. "

Truly comic genius. The man is hysterical!"

Worth linking to: http://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/hns...

"There have been daring people in the world who claimed that Cooper could write English, but they are all dead now"

[Leslie]

I'm currently reading AS Byatt's Possession, a novel about two literary scholars who fall in love while discovering an illicit romance between their respective poets of study ... I'm really enjoying this tour de force that takes the reader on a panoramic journey through the world of Victorian literature including poetry and love letters, but most of all I'm drawn in by the strong, vivid characters at the novel's centre ... My full review can be read at www.the-reading-list.com

[Howard]

Twain was well known in his lifetime & was often asked about his writing.

One of his best-known quotes is on the subject & as a writer myself, I can relate as it's very true.

Or words to this effect: 'The difference between the right word & the almost right word is the difference between lightning & the lightning bug.'

His advice to the sick old widow, or on raising children, or on riding a horse are funny too but as I said before, he's quoted so often (often by those who are unaware of the source) that it's pointless to start quoting him here.

So, has anybody read his autobiography?